wohlhabend
wealthy
Having a lot of money, property, and material goods; rich.
EXAMPLE
Sie stammt aus einer sehr wohlhabenden Familie von Industriellen.
She comes from a very wealthy family of industrialists.
wohlhabend
wealthy
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Wohl' (in the sense of prosperity) and 'habend' (present participle of 'haben' (to have)). So it literally describes a person who has prosperity.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde als Sohn wohlhabender Eltern geboren.
He was born the son of wealthy parents.
Register and style
'Wohlhabend' (wealthy) is a somewhat elevated expression. It often describes stable wealth acquired over generations, and not just having a lot of money in the short term.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie bewohnt ein Anwesen in einer wohlhabenden Gegend.
The family lives on an estate in a wealthy area.
Typical collocations
The adjective typically describes people, families, social classes, or even whole countries. Common combinations are 'eine wohlhabende Familie' (a wealthy family), 'wohlhabende Bürger' (wealthy citizens), or 'ein wohlhabendes Land' (a wealthy country).
EXAMPLE
Die Schweiz ist bekannt als ein sehr wohlhabendes Land.
Switzerland is known as a very wealthy country.
Compare with
wohlhabend vs reich
rich
„reich“ and „wohlhabend“ can both express having a lot of money and property. „Reich“ often sounds stronger and can refer to very large fortunes, while „wohlhabend“ usually sounds more moderate. Choose „wohlhabend“ for a cautious description of comfortable circumstances and „reich“ for particularly great wealth.
wohlhabend
Nach vielen Jahren erfolgreicher Arbeit war die Familie wohlhabend.
After many years of successful work, the family was wealthy.
reich
Nach dem großen Erbe war die Familie sehr reich.
After the large inheritance, the family was very rich.
In real life
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