01
die Unabhängigkeit
independence
The state of a country or nation being politically self-determined and not controlled by another power.
example
Das Land erklärte 1960 seine Unabhängigkeit.
The country declared its independence in 1960.
die Unabhängigkeit
independence
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of three parts: the prefix 'un-' (not), the adjective 'abhängig' (dependent), and the ending '-keit', which forms a noun. So it literally describes the state of 'Nicht-abhängig-Sein' (not being dependent).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Leute wünschen sich finanzielle Unabhängigkeit von ihren Eltern.
Many young people want financial independence from their parents.
Important preposition
To express what someone or something is independent from, the preposition 'von' (from) followed by the dative is almost always used. This pattern works for all meanings of the word.
EXAMPLE
Die Unabhängigkeit von fossilen Brennstoffen ist ein wichtiges politisches Ziel.
Independence from fossil fuels is an important political goal.
Typical verbs
In a political context, 'Unabhängigkeit' (independence) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical ones are: 'die Unabhängigkeit erklären' (to declare independence), 'erlangen' (to gain), 'anerkennen' (to recognize), or 'verteidigen' (to defend).
EXAMPLE
Nach einem langen Kampf konnte das Land seine Unabhängigkeit erlangen.
After a long struggle, the country was able to gain its independence.
Typical adjectives
In a personal context, 'Unabhängigkeit' (independence) is often specified more closely by adjectives. Common combinations are 'finanzielle Unabhängigkeit' (financial independence), 'persönliche Unabhängigkeit' (personal independence), and 'emotionale Unabhängigkeit' (emotional independence).
EXAMPLE
Für sie war die persönliche Unabhängigkeit in ihrer Beziehung sehr wichtig.
For her, personal independence was very important in her relationship.
Compare with
Unabhängigkeit vs Freiheit
freedom
'die Freiheit' and 'die Unabhängigkeit' both have to do with self-determination. 'Freiheit' emphasizes that you are allowed to act, speak, or think without improper restrictions. 'Unabhängigkeit' emphasizes that you are not dependent on another person, power, or group. That is why 'Unabhängigkeit' often fits with states, money, decisions, or institutions such as the press and the judiciary. Learners may confuse the words because both sound like 'being able to decide for yourself'. As a guide: 'Freiheit' is more the right or space to act, while 'Unabhängigkeit' is more the state of not being controlled or not being dependent on something or someone.
Unabhängigkeit
Sie spart jeden Monat Geld, weil sie ihre finanzielle Unabhängigkeit erreichen will.
She saves money every month because she wants to achieve financial independence.
Freiheit
Die Freiheit, offen seine Meinung zu sagen, ist für viele Menschen sehr wichtig.
The freedom to express one's opinion openly is very important to many people.
In real life
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