die Verhältnisse
Translation
circumstances, conditions, relations, affairs
Examples
Er lebt in ärmlichen Verhältnissen.
He lives in poor circumstances.
Die politischen Verhältnisse sind instabil.
The political conditions are unstable.
Sie haben gute Verhältnisse zueinander.
They have a good relationship with each other.
Grammar Patterns
to live in ... conditions/circumstances Er lebt in guten Verhältnissen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Umstände, Bedingungen, Lage (circumstances); Beziehungen (relations)
Etymology
Plural of 'das Verhältnis' (the relation). The plural form broadens to mean the collection of relations that make up one's circumstances.
Memory Tips
While the singular is 'relation' or 'ratio', the plural 'Verhältnisse' almost always means 'circumstances' or 'conditions'. Think of the 'state of affairs'.