der  Löwenanteil

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈløːvənˌʔanteɪl/

🦁 What does 'der Löwenanteil' mean?

Der Löwenanteil refers to the largest part or the overwhelming share of something being divided (e.g., profit, work, property). The term originates from an Aesop's fable where the lion claims the largest portion of the spoils for himself during a division, based on his strength and position.

It is often used to describe a distribution where one party receives a disproportionately large amount.

• Meaning: By far the largest part of something.

⚠️ There is only this one meaning and the article is always der.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Löwenanteil

The word 'Löwenanteil' is a masculine noun. It always uses the article der.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Er übernahm den Löwenanteil der Arbeit. (He took on the lion's share of the work.)
2. Der Investor sicherte sich den Löwenanteil am Gewinn. (The investor secured the lion's share of the profit.)
3. Sie trägt den Löwenanteil der Verantwortung für das Projekt. (She bears the lion's share of the responsibility for the project.)
4. Bei der Aufteilung des Erbes erhielt der älteste Sohn den Löwenanteil. (When dividing the inheritance, the eldest son received the lion's share.)

💡 How to use 'Löwenanteil'?

The expression 'Löwenanteil' is often used figuratively to describe an unequal distribution where one party clearly receives or contributes much more than others.

• Context: Often found in discussions about finances, division of labor, responsibility, inheritances, or resource allocation.
• Nuance: It can carry a slightly negative connotation, hinting at unfairness or the exploitation of a position of power (like the lion in the fable). However, it can also neutrally describe the largest portion.
• Comparison: Similar to 'das Gros' or 'der Hauptteil', but often with a stronger emphasis on the disparity.

You can say: "jemand bekommt den Löwenanteil" (someone gets the lion's share), "jemand übernimmt den Löwenanteil (der Arbeit)" (someone takes on the lion's share (of the work)), or "etwas macht den Löwenanteil aus" (something constitutes the lion's share).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic

Think of the Löwe (lion), der King of the Beasts – he's male (masculine), so he needs the article der. Der Löwe takes den Löwenanteil.

Meaning Mnemonic

Imagine a lion dividing a cake (der Kuchen). Naturally, he takes the biggest piece – the Löwenanteil. He's strong and wants the most! 👑🍰

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Zwei Freunde treffen sich. Sagt der eine: "Ich habe gestern Lotto gespielt und den Gewinn mit meiner Frau geteilt." Fragt der andere: "Und, wer hat den Löwenanteil bekommen?" Antwortet der erste: "Das Finanzamt!"

Translation:
Two friends meet. One says: "I played the lottery yesterday and shared the winnings with my wife." The other asks: "And who got the lion's share?" The first replies: "The tax office!"

📜 A Little Poem

Der Kuchen duftet, frisch und fein,
doch einer will der Größte sein.
Er greift geschwind, mit starker Hand,
den Löwenanteil, wohlbekannt.
Die andern schaun ein wenig blass,
so ist das oft, man glaubt es fast.

Translation:
The cake smells lovely, fresh and fine,
but one wants the biggest piece to be thine.
He grabs it quickly, with a mighty hand,
the lion's share, known throughout the land.
The others look a little pale,
that's how it often is, without fail.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin der größte Teil vom Ganzen,
oft Grund für Streit bei wilden Tänzen.
Ein Tier im Namen trägt mein Wort,
wer schlau verteilt, gibt ihn nicht fort.

Was bin ich?
... Der Löwenanteil

Translation:
I am the largest part of the whole,
often a reason for quarrels taking their toll.
An animal's name is part of my word,
whoever divides wisely, keeps me unheard (doesn't give me away).

What am I?
... The lion's share (Der Löwenanteil)

🧩 More Insights into 'Der Löwenanteil'

Word Composition

The word 'Löwenanteil' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Löwe: The lion.
• Der Anteil: A part of a whole, a share, a quota.

Cultural Origin

As mentioned before, the term originates from Aesop's fable 'The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass'. In the fable, the three animals go hunting together. The lion divides the prey into three parts: The first he takes as the king of beasts, the second as a fellow hunter, and concerning the third he says: "Let him who will, lay hold of it!" This story perfectly illustrates the meaning of the term.