die  Altersarmut

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaltɐsˌʔaʁmuːt/

💡 What does 'die Altersarmut' mean?

Die Altersarmut describes the state of poverty experienced by people in old age (specifically, during retirement). It refers to the situation where elderly individuals lack sufficient financial means to maintain their standard of living or cover basic needs. This often occurs when their pension (Rente) or other income falls below the poverty line (Armutsgrenze).

The word is a compound of:

• Alter (das Alter = age)
• Armut (die Armut = poverty)

It's a specific term highlighting the financial hardship faced by the elderly, often discussed as a significant social and political issue (soziales und politisches Problem). ⚠️ The exact income threshold defining Altersarmut is often debated.

🧐 Grammar Insights

The noun „Altersarmut“ is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die.

It is typically used in the singular form as it describes a state or condition. A plural form („die Altersarmuten“) is grammatically possible but very rare in practice.

Declension (Singular)

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Altersarmut nimmt in vielen Industrieländern zu.
   (Poverty in old age is increasing in many industrialized countries.)
2. Politiker diskutieren Maßnahmen gegen die Altersarmut.
   (Politicians are discussing measures against poverty in old age.)
3. Die Angst vor der Altersarmut beschäftigt viele Menschen kurz vor der Rente.
   (The fear of poverty in old age concerns many people shortly before retirement.)

🗣️ How is 'Altersarmut' used?

The term 'Altersarmut' is primarily used in social, political, and economic contexts. You'll often encounter it in media reports (Medienberichte), academic studies (wissenschaftliche Studien), and political debates (politische Debatten).

• Context: Discussions about pension systems (Rentensysteme), social justice (soziale Gerechtigkeit), demographics (Demografie), and the welfare state (Sozialstaat).
• Emphasis: It specifically highlights the problem of poverty among the elderly, distinguishing it from general poverty or child poverty (Kinderarmut).
• Related Terms: Often used in connection with Rente (pension), Grundsicherung im Alter (basic income support in old age), Rentenniveau (pension level), and demografischer Wandel (demographic change).
• Distinction: While Armut (poverty) is general, Altersarmut focuses on a specific age group.

🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids

Remembering the article: The word ends in '-mut'. Many German nouns ending in '-ut' are feminine, like die Armut (poverty), die Wehmut (sadness), die Anmut (grace). So, it's die Altersarmut.

Remembering the meaning: Think of Alter (age) + Armut (poverty). When age arrives, unfortunately, for some, poverty might follow. Combine them: poverty in old age.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Altersarmut

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Armutsgrenze: (Poverty line) - The defined income threshold below which someone is considered poor (not specific to age).
• Grundsicherung: (Basic income support) - State social benefit for those in need, including the elderly (a possible response to Altersarmut, but not the problem itself).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Rentner nie etwas übel?
Weil sie es sich im Alter nicht mehr leisten können, nachtragend zu sein – das kostet zu viel Energie! 😉

Translation: Why do retirees never hold a grudge?
Because in old age, they can no longer afford to be resentful – it costs too much energy! 😉

(Note: This joke is meant to be lighthearted and not trivialize the serious issue of poverty in old age.)

📜 Poem about Altersarmut

Die Jahre zieh'n, das Haar wird grau,
Die Arbeit schwer, das Leben rau.
Gehofft auf Ruh', auf Sicherheit,
Doch Sorge nagt zur Rentenzeit.

Die Kasse leer, das Herz oft schwer,
Die Altersarmut drückt so sehr.
Ein Schatten lang, in Stadt und Land,
Geflochten aus des Schicksals Hand.

Translation:

The years go by, the hair turns grey,
Work was hard, life rough each day.
Hoped for peace, security,
But worries gnaw when retiree.

The wallet's empty, heart often heavy,
Poverty in old age presses steady.
A shadow long, in town and nation,
Woven by fate's firm creation.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich komme oft nach langem Schaffen,
wenn Kräfte langsam nun erschlaffen.
Ich bin die Not im späten Leben,
kann Sorgenfalten reichlich geben.
Mein erster Teil meint viele Jahr',
mein zweiter Mangel, ist doch klar.

Wer bin ich, oft beklagt im Land?

Lösung: die Altersarmut

Translation:

I often come after long creation (work),
When strengths begin their slow deflation.
I am the hardship in late life's stage,
Can give deep worry lines to age.
My first part means many a year,
My second, lack, that much is clear.

Who am I, often lamented in the land?

Solution: die Altersarmut (poverty in old age)

🌐 Further Information

Word Composition

The word 'Altersarmut' is a compound noun (Kompositum) made up of:

• das Alter (noun): age, referring to the stage of life after working years.
• die Armut (noun): poverty, referring to the lack of essential goods or financial means.

The connecting 's' ('Alters-') links the two parts.

Societal Relevance

Altersarmut is a significant topic in Germany and many other countries because it affects the quality of life of many elderly people and raises questions about intergenerational equity (Generationengerechtigkeit) and the stability of social security systems (Sozialsysteme).