der Lebensnerv
Translation
lifeblood, vital nerve, core
Examples
Der Hafen ist der Lebensnerv der Stadt.
The port is the lifeblood of the city.
Kleine Unternehmen sind der Lebensnerv der Wirtschaft.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy.
Grammar Patterns
the lifeblood of ((sth.gen)) Der Hafen ist der Lebensnerv der Stadt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Herzstück, Kern, Zentrum; Antonyms: Peripherie, Nebensache
Etymology
A compound of 'Leben' (life) + 's' (genitive connector) + 'Nerv' (nerve). Literally means 'life's nerve'.
Memory Tips
Imagine the main nerve that keeps something alive; if you cut it, the system dies. This is its 'life nerve'.