subsistence minimum
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subsistence minimum
The amount of financial resources that a person needs at minimum to cover their basic living needs, such as food, clothing, and housing.
Die Sozialleistungen sollen sicherstellen, dass niemand unter das Existenzminimum fällt.
Social benefits are meant to ensure that no one falls below the subsistence minimum.
The word is made up of 'Existenz' (existence) and 'Minimum' (minimum). So it literally means the absolute minimum that one needs to live and exist.
Ein Dach über dem Kopf und genug zu essen gehören zum Existenzminimum.
A roof over your head and enough to eat are part of the subsistence minimum.
Common verbs in this context describe a movement or a state. You can say 'unter das Existenzminimum fallen' (to fall below the subsistence minimum) or 'am Existenzminimum leben' (to live at the subsistence minimum).
Durch den Jobverlust ist die Familie unter das Existenzminimum gefallen.
Because of the job loss, the family fell below the subsistence minimum.
'Existenzminimum' (subsistence minimum) is a formal term from the areas of social affairs, politics, and economics. It is often used in discussions about poverty, social assistance, and basic income support.
Die Regierung debattiert über die Höhe des gesetzlichen Existenzminimums.
The government is debating the level of the statutory subsistence minimum.
livelihood
'der Lebensunterhalt' and 'das Existenzminimum' both talk about money for basic needs. 'Lebensunterhalt' generally means the money someone lives on, often through work or support. 'Existenzminimum' means the lowest limit: the amount of money a person needs at minimum for food, housing, and clothing. The words can be confused because both have to do with what is necessary for living. 'Lebensunterhalt' is the normal expression for living and earning money in everyday life. 'Existenzminimum' is more suitable when talking about a minimum threshold, poverty, law, or social benefits.
Viele Familien leben nur knapp über dem Existenzminimum.
Many families live only just above the subsistence minimum.
Mia sichert ihren Lebensunterhalt mit einer festen Stelle im Hotel.
Mia supports herself with a permanent job at a hotel.