die  Abhängigkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈapˌhɛŋɪçkaɪt/

🧐 What does "die Abhängigkeit" mean?

Die Abhängigkeit is a feminine noun and describes a state in which someone or something is determined by or reliant on someone or something else. It has several nuances:

• 🔗 Reliance / Dependency: The state of being reliant on the help, support, or presence of something or someone else. Example: Die wirtschaftliche Abhängigkeit eines Landes von Exporten (The economic dependency of a country on exports).
• ⚕️ Addiction: A pathological, compulsive reliance on certain substances (e.g., alcohol, drugs) or behaviors (e.g., gambling addiction, internet addiction). Example: Er kämpft gegen seine Alkoholabhängigkeit (He is fighting his alcohol addiction).
• 🤝 Social/Emotional Dependency: A strong reliance on another person in relationships (codependency). Example: Ihre emotionale Abhängigkeit von ihrem Partner war ungesund (Her emotional dependency on her partner was unhealthy).

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the precise meaning of die Abhängigkeit.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of "die Abhängigkeit" in Detail

The word "Abhängigkeit" is a feminine noun. Its article is die.

Example Sentences

1. Die finanzielle Abhängigkeit von den Eltern kann belastend sein.
   Financial dependency on parents can be burdensome.
2. Viele Menschen leiden unter der Abhängigkeit von sozialen Medien.
   Many people suffer from dependency on social media.
3. Die Therapie half ihm, seine Abhängigkeit zu überwinden.
   Therapy helped him overcome his addiction.
4. Es gibt verschiedene Formen von Abhängigkeiten, nicht nur substanzbezogene.
   There are different forms of dependencies, not just substance-related ones.

🗣️ How is "die Abhängigkeit" used?

"Die Abhängigkeit" is frequently used in various contexts:

• Medical/Psychological: Here it mostly refers to addictions (Drogenabhängigkeit, Alkoholabhängigkeit, Spielabhängigkeit etc.). Example: Die Behandlung von Abhängigkeiten ist komplex (The treatment of addictions is complex).
• Social/Emotional: Describes unhealthy relationship patterns where one person is heavily dependent on another (codependency). Example: Emotionale Abhängigkeit erschwert eine Trennung (Emotional dependency makes separation difficult).
• Economic/Political: Expresses reliance on external factors, resources, or other actors. Example: Die Abhängigkeit der Wirtschaft von Ölpreisen ist ein Risiko (The economy's dependency on oil prices is a risk).
• Technical: Describes the necessity of one component for the functioning of another. Example: Software-Abhängigkeiten müssen aufgelöst werden (Software dependencies must be resolved).

There is little risk of confusion, as the context usually clarifies the meaning. The related verb is "abhängen von" (to depend on), and the adjective is "abhängig" (dependent).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic

Think of the ending "-keit": Nouns ending in "-keit" or "-heit" are almost always feminine in German (die). Examples: die Möglichkeit (possibility), die Freiheit (freedom), and thus die Abhängigkeit. Remember: "-keit" likes "die"!

Meaning Mnemonic

Imagine someone 'hanging off' (abhängen) a cliff edge, completely dependent on the rope. They are in a state of Abhängigkeit (dependency). This image helps recall the meaning of reliance or being dependent.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Abhängigkeit

💡 Be sure to choose the appropriate synonym or antonym based on the context (e.g., addiction vs. economic dependency).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Kaffee eine Anzeige wegen Stalking bekommen?
Weil er eine starke Abhängigkeit entwickelt hat... zum Becher! 😉

Translation:
Why did the coffee get reported for stalking?
Because it developed a strong dependency... on the mug! 😉

📜 Poem about Abhängigkeit

Ein Faden zieht, hält fest und lenkt,
Die Abhängigkeit, die oft uns kränkt.
Mal ist sie Sucht, mal nur ein Band,
Das uns verbindet, Hand in Hand.

Doch wahre Stärke liegt darin,
Zu lösen, was uns hält im Sinn.
Die Freiheit ruft, ein klares Ziel,
Unabhängig sein – das ist das Spiel.

Translation:
A thread pulls, holds tight and directs,
Dependency, which often offends us.
Sometimes it's addiction, sometimes just a bond,
That connects us, hand in hand.

But true strength lies within,
To loosen what holds us in mind.
Freedom calls, a clear goal,
To be independent – that's the game.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe keinen eigenen Willen,
kann süchtig machen oder den Durst stillen (nach Hilfe).
Manchmal bin ich wirtschaftlich,
manchmal psychologisch und schrecklich.
Ich binde dich, ob sanft, ob hart.
Wer bin ich, von femininer Art?

Translation:
I have no will of my own,
can make addicted or quench the thirst (for help).
Sometimes I am economic,
sometimes psychological and terrible.
I bind you, whether gently or hard.
Who am I, of the feminine kind?

Solution: die Abhängigkeit (dependency)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition

The word Abhängigkeit is composed of:

• The prefix "ab-"
• The verb stem "häng" (from hängen - to hang)
• The suffix "-ig" (forms adjectives: abhängig - dependent)
• The suffix "-keit" (forms nouns from adjectives, usually feminine)

It literally describes the state of 'being dependent' or 'hanging off' something.