die  Lebensversicherung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːbnsfɛɐ̯ˌzɪçəʁʊŋ/

📜 What exactly is a Lebensversicherung?

The German noun die Lebensversicherung translates to 'life insurance' or 'life assurance'. It refers to a contract between an insurance company and an individual (the policyholder). The core of the contract is the payment of an agreed sum of money (the sum insured) by the company in the event of the insured person's death during the contract term or, depending on the type of contract, also upon survival to the end of the contract term.

It is an important tool for financial security and provision, especially for families or for repaying loans. There are various forms, such as Risikolebensversicherung (term life insurance) and Kapitallebensversicherung (endowment life insurance).

The word is feminine in German, so the article is always die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar: Declension of Lebensversicherung

The word "Lebensversicherung" is a feminine noun. It is declined as follows:

Singular

Plural

Example Sentences

1. Er hat eine Lebensversicherung abgeschlossen, um seine Familie abzusichern.
   (He took out a life insurance policy to protect his family.)
2. Die Auszahlung der Lebensversicherung erfolgte nach dem Tod des Versicherten.
   (The payout of the life insurance was made after the insured person's death.)
3. Mit der Lebensversicherung konnte der Kredit für das Haus getilgt werden.
   (With the life insurance, the loan for the house could be paid off.)
4. Viele Menschen halten Lebensversicherungen für eine sinnvolle Investition.
   (Many people consider life insurance policies a sensible investment.)

💡 Everyday Application

The term Lebensversicherung is primarily used in the context of finance, provision, and security.

• Family Protection: It serves to financially protect dependents (partner, children) if the main breadwinner dies.
• Loan Security: Banks often require a Risikolebensversicherung (term life insurance) to secure large loans (e.g., mortgages).
• Retirement Provision: Kapitalbildende Lebensversicherungen (endowment policies) were once a popular form of retirement saving, but are less attractive today due to low interest rates.
• Company Pension Schemes: Sometimes Lebensversicherungen are also offered as part of company pension plans.

Common distinctions are made between:

• Risikolebensversicherung: Pays out only upon death.
• Kapitallebensversicherung: Combines death cover with a savings component; also pays out upon surviving the contract term.
• Fondsgebundene Lebensversicherung: Unit-linked life insurance, where savings portions are invested in investment funds.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (e.g., die Rechnung - the bill, die Wohnung - the apartment). Think of the German word for insurance, Versicherung, which is feminine. Since Lebensversicherung ends in -versicherung, it's also feminine: die Lebensversicherung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Leben (life) + Versicherung (insurance). It literally means 'life insurance', insuring against financial consequences related to life (death or survival).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but Different Terms ⚠️

• Krankenversicherung: Health insurance.
• Rentenversicherung: Pension insurance.
• Unfallversicherung: Accident insurance.
• Haftpflichtversicherung: Liability insurance.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Geizhals eine Lebensversicherung abgeschlossen?
Damit er wenigstens nach seinem Tod mal was ausgibt!

(Why did the cheapskate take out life insurance?
So that at least *after* his death, he'd spend something!)

✍️ Poem about Life Insurance

Ein Vertrag, fürs Leben gedacht,
hat über Finanzen gewacht.
Die Police, ein Stück Papier,
sichert die Liebsten, hier und schier.
Ob Risiko, ob Kapital,
es schützt vor manchem Schicksal.
Die Versicherung für das Leben,
kann Trost und Sicherheit geben.

(A contract, meant for life,
has watched over finances rife.
The policy, a piece of paper,
secures loved ones, now and later.
Whether risk or capital's gain,
it shields from many a fate's pain.
The insurance meant for life,
can provide comfort, end strife.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Vertrag, nicht zum Anfassen,
doch soll ich Sorgen kleiner machen lassen.
Ich koste Geld, solange du lebst,
doch zahl' ich aus, wenn du entschwebst,
oder wenn die Zeit gekommen ist,
dass du das Vertragsende misst.
Ich sichere Zukunft, Haus und Kind,
wer bin ich wohl, geschwind?

(I am a contract, not for touching,
but I'm meant to make worries less clutching.
I cost money as long as you live,
but I pay out when your life you give,
or when the time has arrived,
that the contract's end you've survived.
I secure future, house, and child,
what am I, tell me mild?)

Solution: Die Lebensversicherung (Life insurance)

🧩 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition

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

• Das Leben: life
• Die Versicherung: insurance

Together, the meaning is: An insurance that covers risks associated with human life (death or longevity).

Cultural Significance

In Germany, Lebensversicherung has traditionally held significant importance as an instrument for private provision and security, although the product landscape and the popularity of certain forms have changed over time.