das Dasein
existence
Existence or life itself, often in a philosophical or general sense.
EXAMPLE
Philosophen denken seit Jahrhunderten über den Sinn des Daseins nach.
Philosophers have been thinking about the meaning of existence for centuries.
das Dasein
existence / life
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Meanings
das Dasein
life / existence
A particular, often modest or difficult way of living.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Verlust seiner Arbeit fristete er ein karges Dasein.
After losing his job, he eked out a meager existence.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Das Dasein' is a noun derived directly from the expression 'da sein' (to exist, to be present). Many German nouns are formed from verbs in this way and are neuter (das).
EXAMPLE
Das einfache Da-sein in der Natur macht ihn glücklich.
Simply being in nature makes him happy.
Register and style
In the meaning 'Existenz' (existence), 'Dasein' is a word used in elevated written language and philosophy. It is rarely used in everyday speech, but you often find it in literary or academic texts.
EXAMPLE
In dem Roman geht es um das einsame Dasein eines Künstlers in der Großstadt.
The novel is about the lonely existence of an artist in the big city.
Typical collocations
The meaning 'eine Art zu leben' (a way of living) is often combined with the verb 'fristen' and a descriptive adjective. The phrase 'ein ... Dasein fristen' means to lead a difficult or modest life.
EXAMPLE
Viele alte Manuskripte fristen ein unbeachtetes Dasein in den Archiven.
Many old manuscripts lead an unnoticed existence in the archives.
Context clue
If an adjective that describes the quality of life comes before 'Dasein', the second meaning is usually intended. Typical examples are 'ein glückliches Dasein' (a happy existence), 'ein trauriges Dasein' (a sad existence), or 'ein Leben am Rande der Gesellschaft' (a life on the margins of society).
EXAMPLE
Sie führte nach dem Umzug aufs Land ein sehr friedliches Dasein.
After moving to the countryside, she led a very peaceful life.
Compare with
Dasein vs leben
to live
As a neutral verb, leben describes how someone leads their life. As a noun, das Dasein refers to a person's entire living situation and sounds more elevated or reflective. leben fits a normal description of everyday life, while Dasein is more suitable for a general consideration of someone's circumstances in life.
Dasein
Trotz wenig Geld führt er auf dem Land ein bescheidenes Dasein.
Despite having little money, he leads a modest existence in the countryside.
leben
Trotz wenig Geld lebt er ruhig auf dem Land.
Despite having little money, he lives quietly in the countryside.
In real life
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