der  Lebenspartner

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːbənspaʁtnɐ/

🫂 What does 'der Lebenspartner' mean?

Der Lebenspartner refers to a person (usually male, or gender-neutral when used generically) with whom someone shares a stable, long-term domestic partnership. This union can be legally recognized (eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft - registered life partnership) or based purely on a personal bond. It expresses a deep, long-term relationship, often, but not necessarily, an alternative to marriage (Ehe).

Although the word was often used in the context of same-sex partnerships before marriage equality was introduced in Germany (through the eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft), today it can also be used for heterosexual couples in a committed, non-marital relationship. The female form is die Lebenspartnerin.

🚨 Note: Historically, 'der eingetragene Lebenspartner' was a specific legal status for same-sex couples in Germany. Since the introduction of 'Ehe für alle' (marriage for all), no new registered life partnerships can be formed, but existing ones remain valid or can be converted into marriage. However, the term 'Lebenspartner' is still commonly used in a general sense for a partner in a long-term relationship.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'der Lebenspartner' in Detail

The word 'Lebenspartner' is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

✨ Example Sentences

1. Er stellte seinen Lebenspartner auf der Familienfeier vor.
   (He introduced his life partner at the family celebration.)
2. Die Rechte des Lebenspartners sind gesetzlich verankert.
   (The rights of the life partner are legally anchored.)
3. Sie überreichte dem Lebenspartner ihres Bruders ein Geschenk.
   (She gave a gift to her brother's life partner.)
4. Ich habe den Lebenspartner meiner Freundin gestern kennengelernt.
   (I met my friend's life partner yesterday.)
5. Die Lebenspartner planen ihren gemeinsamen Urlaub.
   (The life partners are planning their vacation together.)

💡 Using 'Lebenspartner'

'Der Lebenspartner' is used to describe a person with whom one shares a long-term, committed relationship that forms the center of one's life.

• Context: Often found in formal or official language, but also used in personal settings for unmarried couples (both heterosexual and homosexual).
• Difference from 'Partner': 'Lebenspartner' emphasizes the permanence and central importance of the relationship more strongly than the more general term 'Partner'.
• Difference from 'Ehepartner': 'Ehepartner' specifically refers to a partner in a marriage (Ehe). 'Lebenspartner' is often used for couples who are not married or (historically) lived in a registered life partnership (eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft).
• Connotation: It sounds somewhat more formal and less romantic than, for example, 'Freund'/'Freundin' (boyfriend/girlfriend) or 'Geliebter'/'Geliebte' (lover), but expresses deep commitment and bond.

🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of der as the default masculine article in German. A partner, often traditionally male in grammar, who shares your life: der Lebenspartner.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: 'Leben' means 'life' and 'Partner' means 'partner'. So, it's literally the 'life partner' – the partner you share your life with.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar Words (Potential Confusion):

• Lebenspartnerin: The female form ('life partner' - female).
• Geschäftspartner: Business partner.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der eine Freund den anderen: "Warum nennst du deinen Freund eigentlich immer 'mein Lebenspartner'? Klingt so offiziell." Sagt der andere: "Naja, 'mein lebenslänglicher Mitbewohner mit besonderen Pflichten' war ihm zu lang!"

(One friend asks the other: "Why do you always call your boyfriend 'my life partner'? Sounds so official." The other replies: "Well, 'my lifelong roommate with special duties' was too long for him!")

📜 A Poem about the Lebenspartner

Der Lebenspartner, an meiner Seit',
Durch Freud und Leid, durch Raum und Zeit.
Ein Fels, ein Freund, ein stilles Glück,
Gemeinsam gehen wir Stück für Stück.
Nicht nur ein Wort, nicht nur ein Schein,
Mit dir will ich mein Leben teil'n.

(The Life Partner, by my side,
Through joy and sorrow, space and time.
A rock, a friend, a quiet bliss,
Together we walk piece by piece.
Not just a word, not just a guise,
With you, I want to share my life.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich teile dein Leben, dein Haus, dein Bett,
bin mehr als ein Freund, im Gesetz ein Paket.
Mal männlich, mal weiblich (dann mit '-in' dran),
wer bin ich, sag an?

(I share your life, your house, your bed,
am more than a friend, in law a packet instead.
Sometimes male, sometimes female (then with '-in' attached),
who am I, tell me now?)

Solution: Der Lebenspartner (The life partner)

🧩 More about the Word

Word Composition:

The word 'Lebenspartner' is a compound noun, made up of:

• Leben: Meaning 'life', referring to the entirety of existence.
• Partner: Meaning 'partner', a person with whom one is associated in a relationship or collaboration.

Together, they form the meaning of a person with whom one shares one's life.

Female Form: The explicit female form is 'die Lebenspartnerin'. While 'der Lebenspartner' can sometimes be used generically, explicitly using 'Lebenspartnerin' is often clearer and more respectful when referring to a woman.