die  Selbständigkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/zɛlpstˈʔɛndɪçkaɪt/

📖 What does "die Selbständigkeit" mean?

The German word die Selbständigkeit primarily describes two concepts:

• Personal independence/autonomy: The state of being able to make one's own decisions and not being dependent on others. It refers to the ability to take care of oneself and shape one's life responsibly.
• Professional self-employment/freelancing: Engaging in a professional activity on one's own account and at one's own risk, i.e., not as an employee. One is one's own boss (e.g., as a freelancer, tradesperson, entrepreneur).

⚠️ Although both meanings are closely related (professional Selbständigkeit often requires a high degree of personal Selbständigkeit), it's important to infer the intended meaning from the context.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar & Declension of Selbständigkeit

Die Selbständigkeit is a feminine noun. Nouns ending in -keit are almost always feminine and take the article "die".

As it's an abstract concept, it's mostly used in the singular. The plural ("die Selbständigkeiten") is very rare and usually only used when referring to different specific instances or types of self-employment (e.g., different forms of starting a business).

Singular Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die persönliche Selbständigkeit ist ihr sehr wichtig.
   (Personal independence is very important to her.)
2. Er wagte den Schritt in die berufliche Selbständigkeit.
   (He dared to take the step into professional self-employment.)
3. Der Weg zur finanziellen Selbständigkeit kann schwierig sein.
   (The path to financial independence can be difficult.)
4. Sie genießt die Freiheit ihrer Selbständigkeit als Designerin.
   (She enjoys the freedom of her self-employment as a designer.)

💡 How to use "die Selbständigkeit"

The term die Selbständigkeit is often used in contexts related to personal development, life goals, career choices, and economic independence.

• In a personal context: This refers to maturity, personal responsibility, and the ability to manage without help from others. Example: "Die Erziehung zur Selbständigkeit ist ein wichtiges pädagogisches Ziel." (Fostering independence is an important educational goal.)
• In a professional context: This usually means working as an entrepreneur or freelancer. Synonyms like Freiberuflichkeit (freelancing) or Unternehmertum (entrepreneurship) can also be used here. Example: "Viele träumen von der Selbständigkeit, scheuen aber das Risiko." (Many dream of self-employment but shy away from the risk.)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Unabhängigkeit (Independence): Often synonymous, but "Unabhängigkeit" can be broader (e.g., political independence of a country). "Selbständigkeit" emphasizes more the 'self' and 'acting independently'.
• Autonomie (Autonomy): Philosophically and psychologically often synonymous with personal Selbständigkeit, emphasizing self-determination and freedom of choice.
• Eigenständigkeit: Very similar to Selbständigkeit, often interchangeable. Means 'standing on one's own'.

🧠 Mnemonics

For the article: All nouns ending in -keit are feminine and need die. Think of English words ending in '-ness' or '-ity' often corresponding to German -keit nouns. Remember: Fröhlichkeit (happiness), Möglichkeit (possibility)... and also Selbständigkeit. The ending -keit is a sure sign for "die"!

For the meaning: Imagine someone 'standing' (-ständigkeit) completely by them'self' (Selbst-) on their own two feet. This person doesn't depend on others – they are 'self-standing' or independent. 🧍➡️🚶‍♀️

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Selbstständigkeit: This is an alternative, also correct spelling of Selbständigkeit. However, the Duden dictionary recommends the spelling with "ä". Both mean the same thing.

😂 A Little Joke

One self-employed person asks the other: "Und, wie läuft's Geschäft?"
The other replies: "Kann nicht klagen! Müsste ich aber!"

Translation:
"So, how's business?"
"Can't complain! But I should!"

✍️ Poem about Selbständigkeit

Die Selbständigkeit, ein weites Feld,
Mal Freiheit pur, mal knapp das Geld.
Man steht allein, auf eig'nem Fuß,
Trifft Entscheidungen, trägt den Verdruss.
Doch lockt der Stolz, das Werk, das reift,
Wenn man sein Schicksal selber greift.

Translation:
Self-employment, a wide domain,
Sometimes pure freedom, sometimes financial strain.
You stand alone, on your own feet,
Make decisions, bear the bitter and sweet.
But pride entices, the work matures,
When one grasps fate and self-endures.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Ziel für viele im Beruf,
Obwohl ich manchmal Sorgen schuf'.
Ich mein', sein eigener Herr zu sein,
Und steh' auf eig'nem, festem Bein.
Man braucht Mut und auch Ideen,
Um auf diesem Weg zu gehen.

What am I?
(Answer: die Selbständigkeit / self-employment/independence)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Selbständigkeit" is composed of:

• selbst: Relating to oneself.
• ständig: Derived from "stehen" (to stand), in the sense of 'standing on one's own feet', being constant/steady.
• -keit: A suffix used to form feminine nouns denoting a state or quality (like English -ness or -ity).

Spelling: As mentioned before, both Selbständigkeit (recommended) and Selbstständigkeit are correct spellings.