There are multiple definitions - click on the translation that matches your context.

Erbfall

Substantiv

partial

death

noun

Comparative law notes

Germany

Translated literally, the phrase means "the event triggering the inheritance", which is always the death of a natural person (sec. 1922 (1) of the German Civil Code). Hence, we recommend using the word "death" as the best translation but with a parenthetical containing the phrase "the event triggering the inheritance / devolution of the estate)" when you first encounter the term.

Definitions of death

English

a time when someone dies (=no longer lives)

There were three deaths in the family last year.

English

the state of being dead (=of no longer living)

He was stabbed to death with a sword.