survival
das Überleben
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survival
Continuing to live despite a danger, illness, disaster, or difficult situation. It also refers to the state of remaining alive.
Nach dem schweren Unfall war sein Überleben lange ungewiss.
After the serious accident, his survival was uncertain for a long time.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Überlebens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Überleben | – |
| accusative | das Überleben | – |
| dative | dem Überleben | – |
| genitive | des Überlebens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Überleben' (survival) is the nominalized form of the verb 'überleben' (to survive). You can therefore put a possessive word before it or add a prepositional phrase to specify whose survival is meant or under what conditions it takes place.
Für ihr Überleben brauchte die Wanderin dringend Wasser.
The hiker urgently needed water for her survival.
Common collocations include 'das Überleben sichern' (to ensure survival), 'um das Überleben kämpfen' (to fight for survival), and 'das Überleben gefährden' (to endanger survival). 'Überleben' often appears in connection with a danger, a group, or an animal species.
Der Schutz des Waldes soll das Überleben seltener Tierarten sichern.
Protecting the forest is intended to ensure the survival of rare animal species.
In the fixed expression 'um das Überleben kämpfen' (to fight for survival), 'um' is used with the accusative. The expression describes an especially serious struggle or a major effort to stay alive.
Nach dem Schiffsunglück kämpften die Passagiere tagelang um das Überleben.
After the shipwreck, the passengers fought for survival for days.
