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
This is the plural form of 'das Verhältnis' (relation, ratio). In the plural, it takes on the broader meaning of 'conditions' or 'circumstances'.
Memory Tips
Remember that the singular and plural forms have distinct primary meanings. Singular = ratio/relationship. Plural = circumstances/conditions.