German word

Menschenleben

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛnʃn̩ˌleːbn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhuman life

Example

Viele Menschenleben wurden gerettet.

Many human lives were saved.

Illustration for Menschenleben (human life)

More examples

Der Brand hätte fast Menschenleben gekostet.

The fire nearly cost human lives.

Core concept

Human existence counted person by person, with every life carrying weight when danger, rescue, or loss is discussed.

Common phrases

  • Menschenleben retten

    save human lives

  • viele Menschenleben

    many human lives

Similar words

Leben: A person's state of being alive or the course of that person's existence.
Person: An individual human being considered for counting or identification.
Opfer: A person harmed or killed in an accident, disaster, or other event.
Tod: The end of a person's life, or the state of no longer being alive.

Definition in German

Die Summe oder das Dasein von Menschen als wertvolles Gut, oft im Sinn von Rettung oder Verlust verwendet.

Word origin

The compound joins Menschen, 'people' or 'humans', to Leben, 'life', and its meaning ranges from one human life to human lives collectively.

Usage tips

  • The singular is das Menschenleben, while the plural is die Menschenleben; plural verbs such as wurden are required with several lives.

Opposites

Related words

  • lebenswichtigvitaladjective
  • Lebensrettungsaving livesnoun
  • Lebensgefahrdanger to lifenoun

Word lists with this word