der Lebensunterhalt
Translation
livelihood, subsistence, cost of living
Examples
Er bestreitet seinen Lebensunterhalt mit Musik.
He makes his living with music.
Die Kosten für den Lebensunterhalt steigen.
The cost of living is rising.
Grammar Patterns
to earn one's livelihood ((with sth.)) seinen Lebensunterhalt ((mit et3)) verdienen He earns his livelihood with honest work.
Similar Words
Einkommen (income), Existenzgrundlage (basis of existence)
Etymology
Composed of 'Leben' (life) and 'Unterhalt' (support, maintenance). Literally means 'life maintenance'.
Memory Tips
Imagine what holds ('hält') your life ('Leben') up from under ('unter'). That's your livelihood.