An insurance policy that pays out an agreed sum of money in the event of the insured person's death or after a specified contract period has ended. It often serves to provide financial security for surviving dependents or for retirement planning.
example
Er hat eine Lebensversicherung abgeschlossen, um seine Familie für den Fall seines Todes abzusichern.
He took out life insurance to provide financial security for his family in the event of his death.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Leben' (life), the linking -s, and 'Versicherung' (insurance). So it literally describes an insurance policy that relates to a person's life.
EXAMPLE
Eine gute Lebensversicherung kann die Zukunft der Familie sichern.
Good life insurance can secure the family's future.
Literal vs. figurative
You can recognize the literal meaning from contexts involving finances, contracts, and family. The figurative meaning is often found in sports or in reports about crisis situations, where a person or thing brings rescue.
EXAMPLE
Die Auszahlung der Lebensversicherung half der Witwe sehr.
The life insurance payout helped the widow a great deal.
Typical verbs
In connection with the insurance contract, the verbs 'abschließen' (to take out), 'haben' (to have), 'kündigen' (to cancel), or 'auszahlen' (to pay out) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Eltern schließen eine Lebensversicherung ab.
Many young parents take out life insurance.
Use in a sentence
In the figurative meaning, 'Lebensversicherung' (lifeline) is usually used with the verb 'sein' (to be) or 'werden zu' (to become). It describes a person or thing that becomes the decisive rescue.
EXAMPLE
Seine schnellen Reflexe waren die Lebensversicherung der Mannschaft.
His quick reflexes were the team's lifeline.
Compare with
near_synonym
Lebensversicherung vs Sicherheit
safety / certainty / security
'die Sicherheit' is a general word for protection from risks. 'die Lebensversicherung' is much more specific: it is usually a contract that pays out money, for example in the event of death or as a form of provision for the future. In this way, a Lebensversicherung can provide financial Sicherheit. Figuratively, 'Lebensversicherung' can also mean a person or thing that protects or saves someone in a difficult situation. So 'Sicherheit' names the state, while 'Lebensversicherung' names a concrete or figurative source of that security.
Lebensversicherung
Nach der Geburt seines Kindes schloss Paul eine Lebensversicherung ab.
After the birth of his child, Paul took out life insurance.
Sicherheit
Viele Eltern sparen Geld, weil sie mehr Sicherheit für ihre Familie wollen.
Many parents save money because they want more security for their family.
