01
live
Taking place, being broadcast, or transmitted in real time; not recorded.
example
Die Nachrichten werden jeden Abend um 20 Uhr live ausgestrahlt.
The news is broadcast live every evening at 8 p.m.
live
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Not declined
The adjective 'live' is usually not declined, even when it comes before a noun. It generally keeps its base form, which is unusual for German adjectives.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern ein tolles live Konzert besucht.
I went to a great live concert yesterday.
Position in the sentence
'Live' often stands like an adverb directly after the verb or as part of a compound before a noun. It describes the way in which something takes place.
EXAMPLE
Wir übertragen die Veranstaltung live im Internet.
We are broadcasting the event live on the internet.
Context clue
Whether a broadcast in real time (m01) or a performance in front of an audience (m02) is meant can be recognized from context. Words like 'Sendung' (broadcast/program) or 'Nachrichten' (news) point to real time, while 'Konzert' (concert) or 'Band' (band) point to an audience.
EXAMPLE
Die Pressekonferenz wird live im Fernsehen gezeigt.
The press conference is being shown live on television.
Compare with
live vs direkt
direct
'direkt' and 'live' can both mean that something is experienced without distance or an intermediate step. However, 'direkt' is more general and describes an immediate connection or effect. 'live' is used mainly for concerts, events, shows, or broadcasts. It means that something is happening in real time, or that you are there in person and not just watching a recording. Learners may confuse the words because both express closeness. For television, streaming, or a concert, 'live' is usually more precise. For general immediate contact, 'direkt' fits.
live
Mila hat das Konzert gestern live im Radio gehört.
Mila listened to the concert live on the radio yesterday.
direkt
Wir haben die Nachricht direkt vom Veranstalter bekommen.
We got the message directly from the organizer.
In real life
Loading video examples...