single / detached
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single
Describes a person who lives without a steady partner or spouse; unmarried, divorced, or widowed and living alone.
In der Großstadt gibt es viele alleinstehende Menschen.
There are many single people in the big city.
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.
Er ist seit der Trennung wieder alleinstehend.
He has been single again since the separation.
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.
Eine alleinstehende Frau mietete die Wohnung.
A single woman rented the apartment.
The combinations 'alleinstehende Mutter' (single mother) and 'alleinstehender Vater' (single father) are especially common. The term is often used in social or statistical contexts.
Es gibt spezielle Beratungsangebote für alleinstehende Eltern.
There are special counseling services for single parents.
alone / only
'allein' and 'alleinstehend' can both have something to do with living without other people, but they do not mean the same thing. 'allein' describes a specific situation: someone is currently without company or companionship. 'alleinstehend' describes more of a person's family or relationship status: they live without a steady partner or spouse. Learners may confuse the words because both begin with 'allein'. For a moment or a situation, you say 'allein'. For personal status, 'alleinstehend' fits.
Für alleinstehende Personen gibt es in der Stadt ein besonderes Beratungsangebot.
There is a special counseling service in the city for single people.
Auf der Reise war sie zum ersten Mal ganz allein unterwegs.
On the trip, she was traveling completely alone for the first time.