die  Grundsicherung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡʁʊntzɪçɐʊŋ/

📜 What does 'die Grundsicherung' mean?

Die Grundsicherung is a state social benefit in Germany. Its purpose is to help people whose income and assets are insufficient to cover their basic cost of living. There are two main types:

• Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende: Known as Arbeitslosengeld II or, since 2023, as Bürgergeld (citizen's benefit). It's paid according to the Second Book of the Social Code (SGB II) and is intended for jobseekers capable of working and their families.
• Grundsicherung im Alter und bei Erwerbsminderung: This benefit, according to the Twelfth Book of the Social Code (SGB XII), supports people who have reached retirement age or are permanently fully incapacitated and cannot cover their living expenses.

So, it's a form of basic income security provided by the welfare state.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar insights

The word 'Grundsicherung' is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always die.

It is mostly used in the singular. The plural ('die Grundsicherungen') is rare and usually refers to different types or systems of basic security, not individual benefit cases.

Declension (Singular)

📝 Example Sentences

1. Viele Rentner beantragen die Grundsicherung im Alter.
   (Many pensioners apply for basic income support in old age.)
2. Ohne die Grundsicherung könnte er seine Miete nicht bezahlen.
   (Without basic income support, he couldn't pay his rent.)
3. Der Anspruch auf Grundsicherung hängt vom Einkommen und Vermögen ab.
   (The entitlement to basic income support depends on income and assets.)
4. Sie informierte sich über die Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende.
   (She informed herself about basic income support for jobseekers.)

💡 How and when to use 'die Grundsicherung'

The term 'die Grundsicherung' is primarily used in the context of social law and politics. It refers to the social safety net designed to ensure a minimum level of participation in society.

• Typical Usage: In discussions about social policy, poverty, unemployment, and old-age security. Also found in official notices and application forms.
• Context: Always related to state support for people in need.
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish it from Sozialhilfe (an older, broader term; Grundsicherung under SGB XII is a type of Sozialhilfe) and Arbeitslosengeld I (an insurance benefit, not means-tested basic security). Bürgergeld replaced the former Arbeitslosengeld II (Hartz IV) in 2023 and is the Grundsicherung for jobseekers.

🚨 Note: Colloquially, 'Grundsicherung' is often used only for the benefit for the elderly/incapacitated (SGB XII), while people tend to say 'Bürgergeld' (formerly 'Hartz IV') for jobseekers (SGB II). Officially, both are forms of Grundsicherung.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article 'die': Think of 'die Sicherung' (the fuse, the security) or 'die Versorgung' (the provision/care). Both are feminine words in German and fit thematically, as Grundsicherung provides security and provision. Imagine a mother (die Mutter) providing the basics.

Meaning: It's composed of 'Grund' (base, basic, foundation) and 'Sicherung' (security, protection). So it literally means basic security for one's livelihood.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different terms:

• Arbeitslosengeld (I): Unemployment benefit I - insurance-based, depends on prior contributions.
• Wohngeld: Housing benefit - a subsidy for rent, not covering full living costs.
• Sozialgeld: Social money - benefit for non-employable relatives in a household receiving Bürgergeld.

😄 A little joke

Fragt der Sachbearbeiter: "Haben Sie sichtbares Vermögen?"
Antwortet der Antragsteller: "Ja, mein leeres Portemonnaie, das können Sie gerne sehen!"

(The case worker asks: "Do you have any visible assets?"
The applicant replies: "Yes, my empty wallet, you're welcome to see it!")

✍️ Poem about Grundsicherung

Wenn das Geld mal knapp bemessen,
Miete, Strom und auch das Essen,
Reicht das Eigne nicht zum Leben,
Kann der Staat die Grundsicherung geben.
Ein Netz, das fängt, in Not und Pein,
Soll ein würdig Dasein sein.

(When money is measured tightly,
Rent, electricity, and also food,
If one's own isn't enough for life,
The state can provide basic security.
A net that catches, in need and pain,
Should ensure a dignified existence.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Netz, doch fang' keine Fische.
Ich helfe im Alter und am Arbeitstische,
Wenn's eigene Geld nicht reicht zum Sein.
Der Staat zahlt mich aus, mal groß, mal klein.

Was bin ich?

(I am a net, but catch no fish.
I help in old age and at the work desk,
When one's own money isn't enough to be.
The state pays me out, sometimes big, sometimes small.

What am I?)(Answer: die Grundsicherung)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

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

• Grund: Meaning 'base', 'foundation', 'basic' here.
• Sicherung: Meaning 'security', 'protection', 'guarantee'.

Together, the meaning is that of basic security.

Legal Basis

The regulations for Grundsicherung are primarily found in the German Social Code:

• Sozialgesetzbuch Zweites Buch (SGB II): Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende (Basic security for jobseekers - Bürgergeld)
• Sozialgesetzbuch Zwölftes Buch (SGB XII): Grundsicherung im Alter und bei Erwerbsminderung (Basic security in old age and in cases of reduced earning capacity)