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
die Unabhängigkeit
independence
The state of not being financially or personally dependent on the support of other people and being able to make one's own decisions.
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrem ersten festen Job genoss sie ihre neue finanzielle Unabhängigkeit.
With her first permanent job, she enjoyed her new financial independence.
die Unabhängigkeit
independence
The quality of being unbiased and free from outside influences or interests, especially in institutions such as the judiciary or the press.
EXAMPLE
Die Unabhängigkeit der Gerichte ist ein Grundpfeiler eines Rechtsstaates.
The independence of the courts is a cornerstone of a constitutional state.
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
Freiheit and Unabhängigkeit can both mean that someone is able to determine their own life. Freiheit refers more generally to the right or scope to act without unjustified restrictions. Unabhängigkeit emphasizes more strongly that one is not dependent on other people and makes one's own decisions.
Unabhängigkeit
Nach dem Studium wollte sie finanziell auf eigenen Beinen stehen und ihre Unabhängigkeit bewahren.
After graduating, she wanted to stand on her own financially and preserve her independence.
Freiheit
Sie hat die Freiheit, selbst über ihren Wohnort und ihre Arbeit zu entscheiden.
She has the freedom to decide for herself where to live and what work to do.
In real life
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