alleinstehend
single
Describes a person who lives without a steady partner or spouse; unmarried, divorced, or widowed and living alone.
EXAMPLE
In der Großstadt gibt es viele alleinstehende Menschen.
There are many single people in the big city.
alleinstehend
single / detached
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Meanings
alleinstehend
detached
Describes a building, especially a house, that stands on its own and does not share walls with other buildings.
EXAMPLE
Sie träumen von einem alleinstehenden Haus mit großem Garten.
They dream of a detached house with a large garden.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'allein' (alone) and 'stehend' (standing). This literal meaning—something or someone stands on its own—explains both uses: a person without a partner and a building not attached to other houses.
EXAMPLE
Er ist seit der Trennung wieder alleinstehend.
He has been single again since the separation.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If the adjective refers to a person, it is about relationship status. If it refers to a building, it describes its construction type.
EXAMPLE
Eine alleinstehende Frau mietete die Wohnung.
A single woman rented the apartment.
Typical collocations
The combinations 'alleinstehende Mutter' (single mother) and 'alleinstehender Vater' (single father) are especially common. The term is often used in social or statistical contexts.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt spezielle Beratungsangebote für alleinstehende Eltern.
There are special counseling services for single parents.
Compare with
alleinstehend vs einsam
lonely / remote
Alleinstehend describes a person's living situation without a steady partner but says nothing about their feelings. Einsam, by contrast, describes the painful feeling of lacking closeness or contact. An alleinstehend person can therefore be einsam, but does not have to be.
alleinstehend
Klara ist alleinstehend und lebt gern in ihrer eigenen Wohnung.
Klara is single and enjoys living in her own apartment.
einsam
Seit dem Umzug fühlt sich Klara ohne ihre Freunde oft einsam.
Since moving, Klara often feels lonely without her friends.
In real life
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