What could matter more than life? In German, this small but central word shows up everywhere — in greetings, advice, warnings, and emotional reflections. Learning life in German opens the door to some of the most expressive, meaningful phrases in the language.
The word is das Leben. It’s neuter, and in most uses, it doesn’t have a plural — though you may see die Leben in poetic or sci-fi contexts. If you’re still wrapping your head around the gender system, my gender video lesson will clear it up fast.
Leben is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and with good reason — it appears in conversation, philosophy, medicine, art, and even jokes.
Examples in all four cases:
Nominative:
Das Leben ist schön.
Life is beautiful.
Accusative:
Ich liebe das Leben.
I love life.
Dative:
Mit dem Leben geht es bergauf.
Life is starting to improve.
Genitive:
Die Herausforderungen des Lebens machen uns stärker.
Life’s challenges make us stronger.
Real-World Tips for Learners
The noun Leben is used both literally and metaphorically. You’ll hear it in daily idioms and headlines, as well as deep personal conversations.
Common pairings include:
ins Leben rufen – to bring into existence
ein neues Leben beginnen – to start a new life
am Leben sein / bleiben – to be alive / to stay alive
mit dem Leben spielen – to risk your life
Lebensfreude – zest for life
Lebenslauf – résumé / CV (literally “life run”)
One learner pitfall: leben is also a verb meaning “to live” (ich lebe, du lebst…). That’s separate from the noun das Leben, but they clearly share the same root. Don’t confuse it with wohnen — which means “to reside” (a more physical location-based verb).
The related adjective lebendig means “alive” or “lively” — as in ein lebendiger Mensch (a lively person).
Beginner dialogue using Leben:
A: Was ist für dich das Wichtigste im Leben?
B: Freunde. Ohne sie wäre das Leben leer.
A: What’s the most important thing in life for you?
B: Friends. Without them, life would be empty.
Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Leben.
“Was macht dein Leben besonders — und warum?”
What makes your life special — and why?
Give it a moment. Then say your answer out loud, in German.
German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say life in German — and how das Leben fills language with emotion, depth, and meaning.
Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German to keep your learning alive and growing.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Leidenschaft — for the heat and emotion behind love and dedication.
Or revisit Leiche — and learn the solemn vocabulary that appears in news and storytelling.