leben
Translation
to live, to be alive, to exist, to reside
Examples
Ich lebe in Deutschland.
I live in Germany.
Meine Großeltern leben nicht mehr.
My grandparents are no longer alive.
Er lebt für seine Arbeit.
He lives for his work.
Grammar Patterns
((in+3)) to live in (a place) Ich lebe in einer kleinen Stadt.
((von+3)) to live on/from (an income source) Er lebt von seiner Kunst.
((für+4)) to live for (a purpose) Sie lebt nur für ihre Kinder.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wohnen (to reside), existieren (to exist); Antonyms: sterben (to die)
Etymology
From Old High German 'lebēn', cognate with English 'live'.
Memory Tips
It sounds a lot like the English word 'live'. Think of 'leben' as the 'livin'' part of 'livin' life'.