German word

Lebewesen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːbəˌveːzn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounliving creature

Example

Im Wald sieht man viele Lebewesen.

In the forest, many living creatures can be seen.

Illustration for Lebewesen (living creature)

More examples

Auf dem Meeresgrund leben auch mikroskopische Lebewesen.

Microscopic organisms also live on the seabed.

Core concept

A distinct living entity that grows, responds to its surroundings, and belongs to the broad world of animals, plants, fungi, or microbes.

Common phrases

  • alle Lebewesen

    all living creatures

  • höhere Lebewesen

    higher organisms

  • mikroskopische Lebewesen

    microscopic organisms

Similar words

Mensch: A human individual with a social and cultural life.
Tier: An animal that moves by walking, swimming, or similar means.
Pflanze: An organism that makes nutrients through photosynthesis.

Definition in German

Lebewesen ist ein Organismus, der Stoffwechsel betreibt, wächst oder sich fortpflanzt und auf seine Umwelt reagiert.

Word origin

Lebewesen combines Leben, meaning "life," with Wesen, meaning "being" or "entity," and therefore denotes a being that is alive.

Usage tips

  • Lebewesen is neuter, and its plural has the same form: das Lebewesen, die Lebewesen.

Other meanings

  • organismnoun
  • life formnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word