die Existenz
existence
The being or presence of something or someone.
EXAMPLE
Die Existenz von Wasser auf anderen Planeten ist noch nicht bewiesen.
The existence of water on other planets has not yet been proven.
die Existenz
existence
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Meanings
die Existenz
livelihood
A person's material basis for life; the securing of their means of support.
EXAMPLE
Durch die plötzliche Kündigung war seine berufliche Existenz bedroht.
Because of the sudden dismissal, his professional livelihood was threatened.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Existenz' (existence) is the noun related to the verb 'existieren' (to exist). The ending '-enz' often forms abstract nouns from verbs.
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen glauben, dass Geister nicht existieren.
Many people believe that ghosts do not exist.
Context clue
The economic meaning can often be recognized from verbs like 'sich aufbauen' (to build up for oneself), 'sichern' (to secure), or 'verlieren' (to lose). It usually refers to a person's professional or financial situation.
EXAMPLE
Als Selbstständiger muss man sich seine eigene Existenz aufbauen.
As a self-employed person, you have to build up your own livelihood.
Use with 'von'
In the philosophical or scientific meaning, 'Existenz' (existence) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' to say what exists or does not exist.
EXAMPLE
Die Forscher diskutieren über die Existenz von intelligentem Leben im All.
The researchers are discussing the existence of intelligent life in space.
Typical collocations
When referring to one's basis for living, you often hear the phrases 'um seine Existenz bangen' (to fear for one's livelihood), 'seine Existenz sichern' (to secure one's livelihood), or 'sich eine neue Existenz aufbauen' (to build a new life/livelihood for oneself).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Brand des Geschäfts bangte der Inhaber um seine Existenz.
After the fire at the shop, the owner feared for his livelihood.
Compare with
Existenz vs Lebensunterhalt
livelihood
Here, die Existenz refers to a person's entire material basis for life. Der Lebensunterhalt more specifically means the ongoing financial means needed for basic needs such as food and housing. Those who secure their Existenz protect their livelihood; those who earn their Lebensunterhalt cover their daily needs.
Existenz
Der kleine Laden sichert ihr langfristig die materielle Existenz.
The small shop secures her material livelihood in the long term.
Lebensunterhalt
Die monatlichen Einnahmen aus dem Laden decken ihren Lebensunterhalt.
The shop's monthly income covers her living expenses.
In real life
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