der  Lebensunterhalt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːbnsʊntɐˌhalt/

💰 What does "der Lebensunterhalt" mean?

The German noun der Lebensunterhalt refers to the means of subsistence or livelihood. It encompasses everything a person needs to live, including money and benefits in kind (like food, clothing, housing) required to cover basic needs and secure one's existence.

It's a compound noun formed from Leben (life) and Unterhalt (maintenance, support).

Examples of needs covered by Lebensunterhalt:

• Rent or housing costs
• Food and beverages
• Clothing
• Healthcare costs (insurance, medicine)
• Transportation
• Education

⚠️ The term is almost exclusively used in the singular form because it describes the concept of securing existence as a whole.

🧐 Grammar: Declining Lebensunterhalt

The noun "Lebensunterhalt" is masculine, taking the article der. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Singular

Plural

The plural form "die Lebensunterhalte" is very rare and hardly ever used. Usually, the concept is referred to in the singular, or it's paraphrased (e.g., die Mittel zum Leben für mehrere Familien - the means of living for several families).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er muss hart arbeiten, um seinen Lebensunterhalt zu verdienen.
   He has to work hard to earn his livelihood.
2. Der Staat hilft Bürgern, die ihren Lebensunterhalt nicht selbst bestreiten können.
   The state helps citizens who cannot cover their own living expenses.
3. Die Sicherung des Lebensunterhalts ist ein grundlegendes Bedürfnis.
   Securing one's livelihood is a fundamental need.

💡 How to use Lebensunterhalt

"Lebensunterhalt" is used when discussing basic financial and material security.

• Seinen Lebensunterhalt verdienen/bestreiten: This is the most common usage, meaning 'to earn one's living' through work or other income.
• Für den Lebensunterhalt sorgen: This emphasizes the responsibility of providing the necessary means, often for oneself or a family ('to provide for one's livelihood').
• Den Lebensunterhalt sichern: Similar to 'sorgen', but often used in the context of state support or long-term planning ('to secure one's livelihood').

Distinction from Einkommen: While das Einkommen (income) refers to all earnings (even beyond basic needs), der Lebensunterhalt specifically focuses on the resources needed to cover necessary expenses.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of a strong man (masculine = der) who has to halt his activities to earn his Unterhalt (support/livelihood). DER man must halt for his Unterhalt.

Meaning Mnemonic: Lebensunterhalt sounds a bit like "Life's under halt" without support. You need your Lebensunterhalt so your life doesn't come to a halt. It combines Leben (life) and Unterhalt (support/maintenance) - the support needed for life.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar Words (Potential Confusion):

• die Unterhaltung: Means entertainment, amusement, or conversation; also maintenance (e.g., building maintenance). Do not confuse with the 'Unterhalt' part of Lebensunterhalt.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Können Sie mit dem Gehalt Ihren Lebensunterhalt bestreiten?" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, aber nur, wenn ich nebenbei noch arbeite!"

English Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Can you make a living on this salary?" The employee replies: "Yes, but only if I work a second job on the side!"

📜 Poem about the Word

German:
Der Mensch braucht täglich Brot und Dach,
für Wärme sorgt der Ofenfach.
Das nennt man, kurz und ohne Streit,
den lieben Lebensunterhalt.
Man schafft ihn ran mit Fleiß und Müh,
von morgens an bis abends früh.

English Translation:
A person needs daily bread and roof,
for warmth, the oven gives its proof.
This thing is called, beyond debate,
the dear old livelihood's estate.
One earns it through hard work and strain,
from early morn till dusk again.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin kein Reichtum, doch zum Leben muss ich sein,
für Wohnung, Essen, Kleidung sorge ich allein.
Man verdient mich oft mit Schweiß und Fleiß,
wie nennt man mich, zu welchem Preis?

English Translation:
I am not wealth, but vital for your stay,
For home, food, clothes, I alone pave the way.
I'm often earned with sweat and might,
What am I called, for life's own light?

Solution: der Lebensunterhalt (livelihood)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Lebensunterhalt" is a compound noun, composed of:

• das Leben: life, existence.
• der Unterhalt: support, maintenance, alimony.

Together, it describes the means necessary to maintain or 'support' life.

In German social law (Sozialrecht), the term plays a central role, for example, in calculating social benefits like Bürgergeld (citizen's allowance), which is intended to secure the necessary Lebensunterhalt.