human life
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human life
The existence or life of an individual human being.
Die Ärzte kämpften stundenlang um das Menschenleben des verunglückten Fahrers.
The doctors fought for hours to save the human life of the driver who had been in the accident.
The word is made up of 'Mensch' (human being), the linking element '-en', and 'Leben' (life). So it literally means 'the life of a human being.'
Jedes einzelne Menschenleben ist wertvoll.
Every single human life is valuable.
'Menschenleben' (human life) is a word with a very serious and often dramatic tone. It is typically used in reports about accidents, disasters, or wars and emphasizes the high value of life.
Die Rettungskräfte setzen alles daran, Menschenleben zu schützen.
The rescue workers are doing everything they can to protect human lives.
When it is about the life of a single person, 'Menschenleben' (human life) is often combined with verbs of saving or fighting. Typical phrases are 'ein Menschenleben retten' (to save a human life) or 'um ein Menschenleben kämpfen' (to fight for a human life).
Der Feuerwehrmann hat unter Einsatz seines eigenen Lebens ein Menschenleben gerettet.
The firefighter saved a human life while risking his own.
When talking about victims, 'Menschenleben' (often in the plural) is used with the verbs 'fordern' (to claim) or 'kosten' (to cost). This combination emphasizes the loss of life caused by a tragic event.
Das Erdbeben hat Tausende von Menschenleben gefordert.
The earthquake claimed thousands of human lives.
death
'der Tod' and 'das Menschenleben' stand in clear contrast to each other. 'der Tod' means the end of life. 'das Menschenleben' means the life of an individual person or, especially in the news, multiple lives that are in danger or have been lost. When talking about safety, accidents, or disasters, 'Menschenleben' often fits because the focus is on protecting people. 'Tod' fits when the topic is dying or the state afterward.
Bei dem Brand konnten die Feuerwehrleute mehrere Menschenleben retten.
The firefighters were able to save several human lives in the fire.
Nach dem Unfall sprach die Familie lange über den Tod des Fahrers.
After the accident, the family talked for a long time about the driver's death.