German word

Sozialhilfe

Pronunciation

IPA/zoˈtsi̯aːlˌhɪlfə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwelfare

Example

Die Sozialhilfe reicht oft nur für das Nötigste.

Welfare often covers only the bare necessities.

Illustration for Sozialhilfe (welfare)

More examples

Viele Menschen müssen Sozialhilfe beantragen, wenn sie keine Arbeit finden.

Many people have to apply for welfare when they cannot find work.

Core concept

A public support package supplying money or goods so a person can get through basic daily life.

Common phrases

  • Sozialhilfe beantragen

    apply for welfare

  • Sozialhilfe beziehen

    receive welfare

  • von Sozialhilfe leben

    live on welfare

Similar words

Sozialleistung: A legally defined public benefit, such as a pension or allowance, funded by taxes or insurance.
Hilfe: Support from a person or group to resolve a difficulty.
Sozialversicherung: A contribution-based system providing benefits such as pensions and medical care.

Definition in German

Sozialhilfe bezeichnet staatliche Leistungen in Geld oder Sachleistungen zur Sicherung des notwendigen Lebensunterhalts für bedürftige Personen.

Word origin

The compound arose from the German words sozial ("social") and Hilfe ("help") and became established as an administrative term.

Usage tips

  • In official usage, Sozialhilfe refers to a defined form of public assistance, whereas Hilfe can mean help of any kind.

Other meanings

  • social assistancenoun
  • public assistancenoun

Opposites

  • Selbstversorgungself-sufficiencynoun
  • Erwerbstätigkeitemploymentnoun

Related words

  • Sozialhilfeberechtigungwelfare eligibilitynoun
  • Sozialhilfeträgerwelfare authoritynoun
  • sozialhilfeberechtigteligible for welfareadjective

Word lists with this word