German word

Lebensunterhalt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːbn̩sˌʊntɐhalt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounliving

Example

Er verdient seinen Lebensunterhalt als Lehrer.

He earns his living as a teacher.

Illustration for Lebensunterhalt (living)

More examples

Viele Studierende müssen mit dem Lebensunterhalt neben dem Studium auskommen.

Many students have to get by on their living expenses while studying.

Core concept

A person's practical financial base for paying ordinary living costs.

Common phrases

  • mit dem Lebensunterhalt auskommen

    get by on one's living expenses

  • auf den Lebensunterhalt angewiesen sein

    depend on a livelihood

  • den eigenen Lebensunterhalt sichern

    secure one's own livelihood

Similar words

Einkommen: All income obtained through employment or other sources.
Lohn: Pay for labor performed on a daily or hourly basis.
Gehalt: A regular salary agreed on for a position.
Unterhalt: Money paid to help cover another person's living costs.

Definition in German

Regelmäßig benötigtes Geld oder Einkommen, das das tägliche Leben und die Grundbedürfnisse sichert.

Word origin

The word is a German compound of Leben, 'life', and Unterhalt, 'support or maintenance', with the second part referring to sustaining a person or household.

Usage tips

  • English 'living' can refer to an occupation or lifestyle, but Lebensunterhalt specifically concerns the financial means that sustain daily life.

Related words

  • Lebensunterhaltssicherunglivelihood securitynoun
  • Lebensunterhaltsbeitragliving-expense contributionnoun

Word lists with this word