German NOUN B2 Rank 9121

die Sozialversicherung

social security

Checking...

Loading your saved state.

Meanings

die Sozialversicherung

social security

A statutory insurance system that protects citizens against major life risks such as illness, unemployment, old age, and the need for long-term care. In Germany, it typically includes health insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance, accident insurance, and long-term care insurance.

EXAMPLE

Jeder Arbeitnehmer in Deutschland zahlt monatliche Beiträge in die Sozialversicherung.

Every employee in Germany pays monthly contributions into the social security system.

Usage tips

Word composition

The word is made up of 'sozial' (social) and 'Versicherung' (insurance). So it literally describes insurance for the social risks of life.

EXAMPLE

Die Beiträge für die Sozialversicherung werden direkt vom Gehalt abgezogen.

Social security contributions are deducted directly from the salary.

The five pillars

The 'Sozialversicherung' (social security system) is an umbrella term for five individual types of insurance: health, pension, unemployment, long-term care, and accident insurance. These are often referred to as the 'fünf Säulen' (five pillars) of the system.

EXAMPLE

Durch meine Anstellung bin ich in allen Zweigen der Sozialversicherung versichert.

Through my employment, I am insured in all branches of the social security system.

Typical verbs

In connection with 'Sozialversicherung' (social security), German often uses the verbs 'einzahlen' (to pay in) and 'beitragen' (to contribute). You pay contributions into the social security system or make contributions to social security.

EXAMPLE

Arbeitgeber und Arbeitnehmer zahlen beide in die Sozialversicherung ein.

Employers and employees both pay into the social security system.

Compare with

Sozialrecht

confusable

Sozialversicherung vs Sozialrecht

social law

Both words relate to the state’s social security system. “Die Sozialversicherung” is the actual statutory insurance system that protects people against various life risks. “Das Sozialrecht,” on the other hand, is the area of law that regulates this system and other forms of social protection.

Sozialversicherung

Durch die Sozialversicherung ist sie bei Krankheit und Arbeitslosigkeit abgesichert.

Social security protects her in case of illness and unemployment.

Sozialrecht

Im Sozialrecht findet man die Regeln für Kranken- und Rentenversicherung.

Social law contains the rules for health and pension insurance.

Open full word page: Sozialrecht

In real life

Loading video examples...