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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' both describe people with a lot of money or possessions. 'reich' is the more general and direct word. It can sound very strong and emphasize a big difference from others. 'wohlhabend' often sounds somewhat more neutral and polite. It is used especially when speaking objectively about the financial situation of a person or family. In everyday language, the two are understood similarly, but 'wohlhabend' feels less blunt than 'reich'.
wohlhabend
In diesem Stadtteil leben viele wohlhabende Familien.
Many wealthy families live in this district.
reich
Die Familie ist reich und kann sich ein großes Haus leisten.
The family is rich and can afford a large house.
In real life
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