der Lebensraum, ¨-e
habitat
Ein Ort, an dem Menschen, Tiere oder Pflanzen leben und alles finden, was sie brauchen.
Definition & meaning
The German word Lebensraum primarily refers to the natural environment or habitat in which a particular organism, population, or species lives and interacts with its surroundings. It encompasses all the physical and biological factors necessary for an organism to survive, grow, and reproduce.
In a broader, metaphorical, or socio-political sense, it refers to the space or room needed for an individual or a group of people to live, develop, and flourish. Historically, the term was heavily misused and politicized during the 20th century to describe the ideology of territorial expansion, particularly by the Nazi regime.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: The word is a masculine noun (der Lebensraum). Its plural form is die Lebensräume.
Word origin: It is a compound word formed from two distinct parts:
- Leben: meaning "life" or "to live".
- Raum: meaning "room", "space", or "area".
Together, they literally translate to "living space" or "life space".
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Biotop (referring specifically to an ecological habitat)
- Wohnraum (often used in the context of housing or living quarters)
- Umwelt (referring to environment)
- Aufenthaltsort (referring to a location where one stays)
- Wirkungsbereich (referring to a sphere of influence)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Tiger benötigt einen großen Lebensraum.noun
The tiger needs a large habitat.
Ein erweiterter Lebensraum ist für den Erhalt vieler Arten essenziell.noun
An expanded habitat is essential for the preservation of many species.
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