German word

Leben

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːbn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounlife

Example

Ich mag mein Leben in dieser Stadt.

I like my life in this city.

Illustration for Leben (life)

More examples

Das tägliche Leben bringt oft kleine Freuden.

Daily life often brings small joys.

Core concept

A person's whole span of existence, including daily activities, experiences, and the fact of being alive.

Common phrases

  • das tägliche Leben

    daily life

  • ein aktives Leben

    an active life

  • das öffentliche Leben

    public life

Similar words

Alltag: The familiar rhythm of regular work, errands, and other daily activities.
Lebensunterhalt: The financial means or employment that makes continued living possible.
Lebensstil: A style of living based on personal priorities, tastes, and values.
Lebensqualität: The quality of daily living as shaped by health, income, and surroundings.

Definition in German

Die Gesamtheit der täglichen Tätigkeiten und Erfahrungen einer Person; das Dasein.

Word origin

Leben is the noun formed from German leben 'to live'; both continue Old High German lebēn and are related to English live and life.

Usage tips

  • Leben is neuter, so the definite article is das; its plural is Leben when several individual lives are meant.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word