die  Lebensgefährtin

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːbənsfəˌɡɛːʁtɪn/

💖 What does 'die Lebensgefährtin' mean?

Die Lebensgefährtin is a woman with whom someone shares a stable, long-term partnership, similar to a marriage but without being legally married. It implies a deep emotional bond and often a shared life.

In contrast to an Ehefrau (wife), the relationship is usually not legally formalized, although registered civil partnerships (eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaften) exist, and the female partner in such a union could also be referred to this way. However, the term is frequently used even without legal registration.

It is the female equivalent of der Lebensgefährte (male life partner).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'die Lebensgefährtin'

The word 'Lebensgefährtin' is a feminine noun. The definite article is die.

📝 Example Sentences

• Er stellte uns seine Lebensgefährtin vor.
  He introduced us to his life partner (female).
• Sie lebt seit zehn Jahren mit ihrer Lebensgefährtin zusammen.
  She has been living together with her life partner (female) for ten years.
• Das Erbe ging an die Kinder und die Lebensgefährtin des Verstorbenen.
  The inheritance went to the children and the deceased's life partner (female).

💬 How is 'Lebensgefährtin' used?

The term Lebensgefährtin is used to refer to a committed female partner with whom one lives together or shares a marriage-like relationship without being married. It emphasizes the seriousness and permanence of the relationship more than the term Freundin (girlfriend).

• Compared to 'Freundin': While 'Freundin' can also describe a less committed or shorter relationship, 'Lebensgefährtin' implies an established, long-term partnership.
• Compared to 'Partnerin': 'Partnerin' is a more neutral term, often used synonymously. 'Lebensgefährtin' sounds a bit more personal and emphasizes the shared life aspect more strongly.
• Compared to 'Ehefrau': An 'Ehefrau' (wife) is defined by marriage. A 'Lebensgefährtin' is defined by the nature of the relationship, not necessarily by legal status (though it can exist).

The term is often used in more formal contexts or when introducing someone in new social circles to clearly define the relationship status.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'die': Remember the ending '-in', which is typical for feminine nouns referring to people in German. Like die Frau (the woman), die Begleiterin (the female companion), so it's die Lebensgefährtin.

For the meaning: Break down the word: Leben (life) + Gefährtin (female companion). A companion for life (or at least a long part of it). She accompanies you on your life's journey (Lebensweg).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but misleading words:

• Geliebte: Often refers to a partner in an extramarital affair (mistress), carrying a different connotation than Lebensgefährtin.
• Gefährtin: Can more generally mean a female companion, not necessarily a romantic partner.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Freund den anderen: „Ist das deine Ehefrau?“ Sagt der: „Nein, das ist meine Lebensgefährtin.“ Fragt der Freund: „Wo ist der Unterschied?“ Antwortet der andere: „Ungefähr 10.000 Euro Anwaltskosten.“

Translation: A friend asks another: "Is that your wife?" The other replies: "No, that's my life partner (female)." The friend asks: "What's the difference?" The other answers: "About 10,000 Euros in lawyer's fees."

📜 A Poem for the Lebensgefährtin

An meiner Seite, Tag für Tag,
Nicht durch Papier, doch Herzensschlag.
Die Lebensgefährtin, treu und nah,
Mein Fels, mein Glück, mein Ja.

Wir teilen Lachen, Last und Zeit,
In Liebe und Verbundenheit.
Kein Ring, kein Schein, doch festes Band,
Gemeinsam gehen wir durch das Land.

Translation:
By my side, day after day,
Not by paper, but by heartbeat's sway.
The life partner (female), loyal and near,
My rock, my happiness, my dear.

We share laughter, burden, and time,
In love and togetherness sublime.
No ring, no certificate, but a strong tie,
Together through the land, we fly.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin die Frau an seiner Seit',
für eine lange, feste Zeit.
Ein Eheversprechen gab es nicht,
doch teil'n wir Tisch und Kerzenlicht.
Wer bin ich, in seinem Leben präsent?
Nicht Ehefrau, wie man mich nennt?

Who am I, present in his life?
Not called a wife?

Solution: Die Lebensgefährtin (The female life partner)

✨ Interesting Facts about 'die Lebensgefährtin'

Word Composition:

The word is composed of:

• Leben: Refers to the shared life, the life path (from 'das Leben' - life).
• Gefährtin: Feminine form of 'Gefährte' (companion, comrade). The suffix '-in' makes it specifically female.

Social and Legal Context:

Although the term is often used for unmarried couples, it can also apply to female partners in registered civil partnerships (especially before 'Ehe für alle' - marriage equality). Legally, a 'Lebensgefährtin' without a registered partnership or cohabitation agreement often has fewer rights (e.g., in inheritance or separation) than an 'Ehefrau' (wife), although this can vary depending on legislation and individual contracts.