livelihood
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livelihood
The financial means a person needs to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing. It is mostly used in the context of earning these means.
Mit ihrer Arbeit als Lehrerin verdient sie den Lebensunterhalt für ihre Familie.
With her work as a teacher, she earns a livelihood for her family.
This word is composed of 'Leben' (life) and 'Unterhalt' (maintenance/support). 'Unterhalt' means 'financial support'. Literally, it describes the means one needs in order to live.
Er muss hart arbeiten, um den Unterhalt für sich und seine Kinder zu sichern.
He has to work hard to secure support for himself and his children.
'Lebensunterhalt' (livelihood) is almost always combined with certain verbs. The most common are 'seinen Lebensunterhalt verdienen' (to earn one's livelihood), 'seinen Lebensunterhalt bestreiten' (to make/cover one's living), and 'für seinen Lebensunterhalt aufkommen' (to provide for one's livelihood).
Als Student musste er seinen Lebensunterhalt mit einem Nebenjob bestreiten.
As a student, he had to cover his living expenses with a part-time job.
The word 'Lebensunterhalt' (livelihood) belongs to standard German and is often used in formal or official contexts, for example at government offices or in contracts.
Um die Sozialleistung zu bekommen, musste sie nachweisen, dass sie ihren Lebensunterhalt nicht selbst decken kann.
To receive the social benefit, she had to prove that she could not cover her living expenses herself.
income
'das Einkommen' and 'der Lebensunterhalt' both have to do with money for living. 'Einkommen' means the money someone earns or receives in a certain period of time. 'Lebensunterhalt' is more about the money you need to pay for housing, food, clothing, and other important things. The words can be confused because people often pay for their livelihood with their income. The natural phrases are 'ein hohes Einkommen haben' (to have a high income), but 'den Lebensunterhalt verdienen' (to earn a living).
Nach dem Studium verdient Paul seinen Lebensunterhalt als Krankenpfleger.
After graduating, Paul earns his living as a nurse.
Ihr Einkommen reicht für die Miete und die Kosten der Familie.
Her income is enough for the rent and the family's expenses.