German Conversation · Level 11
90 words
German word
leben
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈleːbən/
Meaning
- verblive
Example
Ich lebe gesund.
I live a healthy life.
More examples
Viele Studierende leben in einer WG.
Many students live in a shared apartment.
Core concept
A living person continues through ordinary days, whether staying somewhere or pursuing a particular way of life.
Common phrases
in Deutschland leben
live in Germany
mit der Familie leben
live with one's family
auf dem Land leben
live in the countryside
Similar words
wohnen: Have a home or room in a particular place.
bleiben: Remain in the same place or condition without changing.
überleben: Stay alive by enduring danger, hardship, or a serious crisis.
Definition in German
Nicht tot sein, existieren und den eigenen Alltag gestalten.
Word origin
The German verb leben developed from Old High German lebēn and shares a Germanic origin with English live and Dutch leven.
Usage tips
- The phrase in Berlin leben is natural for residing there, but leben in can also introduce a figurative setting or condition.