die  Altersversorgung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaltɐsfɛɐ̯ˌzɔʁɡʊŋ/

💰 What does 'die Altersversorgung' mean?

The German word die Altersversorgung refers to all measures and benefits aimed at providing financial security in old age when one is no longer employed. It generally encompasses the statutory pension insurance (gesetzliche Rentenversicherung), occupational pension schemes (betriebliche Altersversorgung, bAV), and private retirement savings (private Altersvorsorge).

It's a key term in the German social security system and financial sector, intended to ensure security and maintain living standards during retirement.

• Statutory Pillar: State pension.
• Occupational Pillar: Pension organized by the employer.
• Private Pillar: Individual savings (e.g., Riester-Rente, Rürup-Rente, private pension plans).

🚨 The word is almost exclusively used in the singular form as it describes the concept of provision as a whole. The plural "Altersversorgungen" is rare and would refer to various specific systems or contracts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Altersversorgung

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

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural „die Altersversorgungen“ is grammatically correct but rarely used.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Altersversorgung in Deutschland basiert auf drei Säulen.
   (The retirement provision system in Germany is based on three pillars.)
2. Er kümmert sich frühzeitig um seine Altersversorgung.
   (He is taking care of his retirement provision early on.)
3. Die Höhe der betrieblichen Altersversorgung hängt vom Arbeitgeber ab.
   (The amount of the occupational pension depends on the employer.)
4. Fragen zur Altersversorgung sollte man mit einem Experten besprechen.
   (Questions about retirement provision should be discussed with an expert.)

🔧 How to use 'Altersversorgung'?

The term Altersversorgung is mainly used in formal contexts, especially when discussing finance, social benefits, law, and politics.

• Talking about pensions: "Meine Altersversorgung ist leider nicht sehr üppig." (Unfortunately, my retirement income isn't very generous.)
• In financial consultations: "Welche Produkte eignen sich am besten für die private Altersversorgung?" (Which products are best suited for private retirement provision?)
• In political discussions: "Die Zukunft der staatlichen Altersversorgung ist ungewiss." (The future of the state pension system is uncertain.)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Rente: Often refers to the specific monthly payment received in retirement. Altersversorgung is the broader term for the entire system or measures for security.
• Pension: Specifically refers to the retirement benefits for civil servants (Beamte), judges, and soldiers in Germany.
• Altersvorsorge: Often used synonymously, but emphasizes the aspect of proactive planning and saving (Vorsorge = precaution, provision).

💡 Mnemonics for Altersversorgung

For the article 'die': Think of "die Versorgung" (the provision/supply). Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die). The *provision* for old age is *die* Altersversorgung.

For the meaning: Break down the word: Alter (old age) + Versorgung (provision/supply). It's about how one is *provided* for financially in *old age*. Imagine an old lady (feminine -> die) who is well *provided* for.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different terms:

• Versorgungsausgleich: Splitting of pension entitlements in case of divorce.
• Grundsicherung im Alter: Basic social security benefit for pensioners with very low income.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Enkel den Opa: "Opa, was ist eigentlich eine gute Altersversorgung?"
Opa: "Wenn die Enkel nicht nur zum Geldabheben vorbeikommen!" 😉

Translation:
The grandson asks his grandpa: "Grandpa, what exactly is a good retirement provision?"
Grandpa: "When the grandkids don't just stop by to withdraw cash!" 😉

✍️ Poem about Altersversorgung

Die Jugend schnell, sie eilt dahin,
die Arbeit prägt den Lebenssinn.
Doch denk auch dran, was später sei,
mit guter Altersversorgung bleibst du frei.

Ob Staat, Betrieb, ob du es selbst gemacht,
hast du an später schon gedacht?
Damit im Alter, ohne Sorgen,
du blicken kannst auf jeden neuen Morgen.

Translation:
Youth quickly rushes by,
Work shapes life's meaning high.
But also think of what will be,
With good retirement provision, you'll stay free.

Whether state, company, or done by you,
Have you thought of later, through and through?
So that in old age, without a care,
You can look towards each new morning fair.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Plan für späte Tage,
lindere die finanzielle Plage.
Ich komme oft aus drei Kassen,
damit im Alter's besser lässt sich prassen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I am a plan for later days,
Easing financial haze.
I often come from sources three,
So old age can be lived more lavishly.

What am I?
(Solution: die Altersversorgung)

✨ More Information

Word Composition:

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

• Alter (noun): Refers to the life stage of old age.
• Versorgung (noun): Refers to the provision of necessary means (here: money, income). The suffix "-ung" often indicates a process or result.

Cultural Context: The Three-Pillar Model (Das Drei-Säulen-Modell)

In Germany, the term "Drei-Säulen-Modell" (Three-Pillar Model) is often used when discussing retirement provision:

1. Statutory pension insurance (Gesetzliche Rentenversicherung)
2. Occupational pension schemes (Betriebliche Altersversorgung - bAV)
3. Private retirement savings (Private Altersvorsorge)

This model forms the basis of the German system for securing living standards in retirement.