01
die Lebensgefahr
danger to life
A condition in which a person's life is in immediate danger.
example
Nach dem schweren Unfall schwebte der Fahrer in akuter Lebensgefahr.
After the serious accident, the driver was in acute danger of death.
die Lebensgefahr
danger to life
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Lebensgefahr' (danger to life) is made up of 'Leben' (life), the linking -s, and 'Gefahr' (danger). So it literally means 'danger to life'.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Baustelle besteht Lebensgefahr, das Betreten ist verboten.
There is danger to life on the construction site; entry is prohibited.
Fixed expression
The most common and important expression with this word is 'in Lebensgefahr schweben' (to be in mortal danger). It expresses that someone is in a critical condition between life and death.
EXAMPLE
Der verletzte Bergsteiger schwebte stundenlang in Lebensgefahr.
The injured mountaineer was in mortal danger for hours.
Use with 'in'
'Lebensgefahr' (danger to life) is almost always used with the preposition 'in' plus the dative. Typical verbs are 'in Lebensgefahr sein' (to be in danger of death), 'sich in Lebensgefahr befinden' (to be in danger of death), or 'jemanden in Lebensgefahr bringen' (to put someone’s life in danger).
EXAMPLE
Durch sein riskantes Fahren hat er andere in Lebensgefahr gebracht.
Through his risky driving, he put others' lives in danger.
Compare with
Lebensgefahr vs Sicherheit
safety / certainty / security
'die Sicherheit' and 'die Lebensgefahr' are clear opposites. With 'Sicherheit', you are protected from dangers. With 'Lebensgefahr', a person's life is directly threatened. 'Sicherheit' fits with protection, control, and low risk. 'Lebensgefahr' is used only in very serious situations, for example in an accident, an illness, or a dangerous situation.
Lebensgefahr
Nach dem schweren Unfall schwebte der Fahrer in Lebensgefahr.
After the serious accident, the driver was in life-threatening danger.
Sicherheit
Im neuen Auto sorgen moderne Bremsen für mehr Sicherheit.
In the new car, modern brakes provide greater safety.
In real life
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