existentiell
existential
Of crucial importance for life, one's livelihood, or continued existence.
EXAMPLE
Der Verlust ihres Arbeitsplatzes brachte die Familie in existentielle Not.
Losing her job plunged the family into existential distress.
existentiell
existential
existentiell – existentieller – am existentiellsten
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Meanings
existentiell
existential
Relating to the fundamental conditions and experiences of human existence, especially its meaning, freedom, anxiety, and death. The term is frequently used in philosophy.
EXAMPLE
Der Roman behandelt existentielle Fragen nach dem Sinn des Lebens und der Unvermeidbarkeit des Todes.
The novel explores existential questions about the meaning of life and the inevitability of death.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry existentiell, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | existentiell |
|---|---|
| comparative | existentieller |
| superlative | am existentiellsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to existentiell.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to existentiell.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to existentiell.
Usage tips
Context clue
When it refers to concrete threats to one's livelihood or continued existence, „existentiell“ (existential) usually describes an acute crisis. When meaning, freedom, anxiety, or death are at the center, the word usually belongs in a philosophical or psychological context.
EXAMPLE
Die Überschwemmung führte für viele Bewohner zu einer existentiellen Bedrohung.
The flooding posed an existential threat to many residents.
Der Film stellt existentielle Fragen über Freiheit und Verantwortung.
The film raises existential questions about freedom and responsibility.
Typical collocations
In the sense of a life-threatening crisis, „existentiell“ (existential) frequently occurs with words such as „Not“ (hardship), „Bedrohung“ (threat), „Krise“ (crisis), or „Angst“ (anxiety). These combinations often relate to work, money, housing, or physical safety.
EXAMPLE
Für den kleinen Betrieb wurde die monatelange Schließung zu einer existentiellen Krise.
For the small business, the months-long closure became an existential crisis.
Philosophical context
The second meaning occurs especially in philosophical, literary, and psychological texts. Common combinations include „existentielle Fragen“ (existential questions), „existentielle Angst“ (existential anxiety), and „existentielle Erfahrungen“ (existential experiences).
EXAMPLE
Das Tagebuch beschreibt existentielle Erfahrungen während seiner langen Krankheit.
The diary describes existential experiences during his long illness.
In real life
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