Lebenslust
/ˈleːbn̩sˌlʊst/
The German phrase for "lust for life" is Lebenslust.
Lebenslust describes a strong desire to live life to the fullest and enjoy all its experiences.
How does it change in a sentence?
Lebenslust is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine article die (die Lebenslust).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈleːbn̩sˌlʊst/
Did you know?
- While Lebenslust is a positive trait, German has a specific word for the opposite: Lebensmüdigkeit, which describes a weariness of life or a longing for it to end.
- The word Lust is a cognate of the English word 'lust', but it is also closely related to 'pleasure'. In German, saying ich habe Lust simply means 'I feel like it' or 'I want to'.
- The word Lebenslust is formed by combining Leben and Lust with a joining -s-, known as a Fugenelement. This 's' doesn't indicate possession, but acts as a linguistic glue to make the compound noun easier to pronounce.
Examples in context
- Seine Begeisterung für das Leben ist ansteckendHis enthusiasm for life is contagious
- Ich habe richtig Bock aufs Leben!I'm really up for life!
- Sie hat eine unglaubliche Lebenslust.She has an incredible lust for life.
- Trotz seines Alters besitzt er viel Lebenslust.Despite his age, he has a lot of lust for life.
- Diese Musik weckt meine Lebenslust.This music awakens my lust for life.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are talking about an elderly neighbor.
- JulianUnser Nachbar hat so viel Lebenslust.Our neighbor has so much lust for life.
- HannahJa, er genießt jeden einzelnen Tag.Yes, he enjoys every single day.
- JulianDas ist wirklich bewundernswert an ihm.That is truly admirable about him.
- HannahIch möchte auch so leben.I want to live like that too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Lebenslust, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Lebenslust, CC BY-SA 4.0.
