der Lebensunterhalt
Translation
livelihood, subsistence, living
Examples
Er verdient seinen Lebensunterhalt als Musiker.
He earns his living as a musician.
Sie kämpft um ihren Lebensunterhalt.
She is fighting for her livelihood.
Grammar Patterns
to earn ((one's livelihood)) ((with sth.)) He earns his livelihood with music.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Existenzgrundlage, das Einkommen
Etymology
From 'Leben' (life) and 'Unterhalt' (maintenance, support). Literally 'life support'.
Memory Tips
It's what 'holds' ('halt' from 'halten') you 'under' ('unter') in 'life' ('Leben'), i.e., what supports you.