die  Existenz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛksɪsˈtɛnts/

🤔 What does "die Existenz" actually mean?

The word die Existenz (feminine) primarily has two meanings in German:

1. Existence, being, presence: This refers to the mere fact that something or someone exists. It's often a philosophical or abstract concept.

   • Example: Die Frage nach der Existenz Gottes beschäftigt Philosophen seit Jahrhunderten. (The question of God's existence has occupied philosophers for centuries.)

2. Livelihood, means of subsistence: This refers to the material and financial resources necessary to live. It describes the economic basis of a person or family.

   • Example: Nach dem Verlust seines Jobs war seine gesamte Existenz bedroht. (After losing his job, his entire livelihood was threatened.)
   • Example: Sie kämpfte um ihre berufliche Existenz. (She fought for her professional existence/career.)

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the correct meaning.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📖 Grammar of "die Existenz"

"Existenz" is a feminine noun. The article is always die. The plural is die Existenzen.

Declension (Singular)

Declension (Plural)

✍️ Example Sentences

• Nominative: Die Existenz von außerirdischem Leben ist nicht bewiesen. (The existence of extraterrestrial life is not proven.)
• Genitive: Die Frage der Existenz ist fundamental. (The question of existence is fundamental.)
• Dative: Er widmete sich dem Aufbau einer neuen Existenz. (He dedicated himself to building a new livelihood/life.)
• Accusative: Viele fürchten um ihre Existenz. (Many fear for their livelihood/existence.)
• Plural: In der Krise wurden viele Existenzen vernichtet. (Many livelihoods/lives were destroyed in the crisis.)

💡 How to use "die Existenz"?

The usage of die Existenz heavily depends on the context:

• Philosophical/Abstract Context: Here, "Existenz" refers to being itself. One might talk about the Existenz Gottes (God's existence), die Existenz der Seele (the existence of the soul), or the conditions of menschlicher Existenz (human existence). Similar words are Dasein (being there, existence) or Sein (being).
• Economic/Social Context: Here, "Existenz" means the material basis for living. People talk about die Sicherung der Existenz (securing one's livelihood), eine bedrohte Existenz (a threatened livelihood), or die Gründung einer neuen Existenz (starting a new business/professional life, often referred to as Existenzgründung). Related terms are Lebensunterhalt (livelihood), Lebensgrundlage (basis of life).
• Existenzangst: A common compound noun meaning 'existential dread' or the fear of losing one's livelihood.
• Existenzminimum: The minimum income or resources necessary for survival (subsistence level).

🚨 Don't confuse "Existenz" with "Exzellenz" (excellence).

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Existenz"

For the Article: Nouns ending in -enz in German are almost always feminine (like die Intelligenz, die Konferenz, die Konsequenz). So, remember: die Existenz.

For the Meaning: Think of the English word "existence". It sounds very similar and shares the core meaning (Dasein). For the second meaning (livelihood), think: without money, your existence (in the sense of living) might end.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but Misleading Words

• Die Exzellenz: Means "excellence" or is a title. Nothing to do with "Existenz".

😂 A Little Joke

Philosophie-Student: "Professor, können Sie mir die Existenz Gottes beweisen?"
Professor: "Kannst du mir beweisen, dass er nicht existiert?"
Student: "Äh... nein."
Professor: "Siehst du? Irgendwas existiert immer, und sei es nur die Frage nach der Existenz!" 😄

Translation:
Philosophy Student: "Professor, can you prove God's existence to me?"
Professor: "Can you prove to me that he doesn't exist?"
Student: "Uh... no."
Professor: "See? Something always exists, even if it's just the question of existence!" 😄

📜 Poem about Existence

Die Existenz, ein zarter Faden,
Mal stark, mal schwach, oft überladen.
Mal nur das Sein, mal das Bestreben,
Die Grundlage für unser Leben.
Man sucht sie, schützt sie, bangt um sie sehr,
Die Existenz – mal leicht, mal schwer.

Translation:
Existence, a tender thread,
Sometimes strong, sometimes weak, often over-fed.
Sometimes just being, sometimes the strive,
The foundation for our life.
We seek it, protect it, fear for it much,
Existence – sometimes easy, sometimes a tough clutch.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin mal ganz abstrakt und fein,
beschreibe einfach nur das Sein.
Doch bin ich auch ganz materiell,
sichere dein Leben, schnell!

Was bin ich?
... Die Existenz

Translation:
Sometimes I'm abstract and refined,
Simply describing being, of any kind.
But I am also material, quite real,
Securing your life, with speed and zeal!

What am I?
... Existence (die Existenz)

🧩 Other Information

• Word Origin: The word "Existenz" comes from the Late Latin "existentia", meaning "existence", "presence". It derives from the verb "existere" ("to step forth", "to emerge", "to exist").
• Common Compounds:
  • Existenzangst: Fear of losing one's livelihood, or a deeper philosophical/existential dread.
  • Existenzgründung: Starting one's own business, becoming self-employed.
  • Existenzminimum: Subsistence level, the absolute minimum required to live.
  • Existenzkampf: Struggle for survival or for securing one's livelihood.