leben
/ˈleːbən/
The English verb 'live' translates to the German verb leben.
The verb leben is used to express the state of being alive or the general act of living. Related terms include the adjective Live- for broadcasting as it happens, and the adverb direkt or live to mean 'as it happens'.
Meaning: be alive (verb)
Which one should you use?
While leben refers to the state of being alive or the general act of living, the verb wohnen is used specifically when you are talking about residing at a particular address. Additionally, the noun form das Leben means 'the life'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third person singular form of leben is lebt. To express the simple past, use lebte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːbən/
Did you know?
- The word Lebensmittel translates literally to 'means of life', but it is the standard German word for 'groceries'.
- The ancient Proto-Indo-European root of leben was *leyp-, which meant 'leave', 'cling' or 'linger'.
- German speakers use the verb leben in the expression von etwas leben, which means to derive one's entire income or sustenance from a specific source.
Examples in context
- Lass Tom am Leben!Let Tom live.This sentence is useful for using the form leben.Tatoeba #2659882 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2262231 by CK
- Wo wirst du leben?Where are you going to live?Tatoeba #6640967 by Felixjp, translation #2892769 by CK
- Leben sie mit dir?Do they live with you?Tatoeba #6643288 by Felixjp, translation #2275788 by CK
- Ich wohne in Berlin.I live in Berlin.
- Ich residiere in einer wunderschönen Villa.I reside in a beautiful villa.
- Ich lebe in München.I live in Munich.
- Lebst du immer noch bei deinen Eltern?Are you still living with your parents?
- Ich wohne in einem kleinen Dorf.I live in a small village.
- Er residiert in einer luxuriösen Stadtwohnung.He resides in a luxurious city apartment.
- Meine Freunde und ich leben in einer Wohngemeinschaft.My friends and I live in a shared flat.
- Wo wohnt ihr?Where do you all live?
- 1152 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing a rescue mission in a movie.
- MaximilianGlaubst du, dass er noch leben wird?Do you think that he will still be alive?
- LauraJa, er will unbedingt leben.Yes, he definitely wants to live.
- MaximilianDas ist ein Wunder, dass er lebt.It is a miracle that he is alive.
- LauraEr ist sehr stark, Laura.He is very strong, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “live” translations and entries leben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
