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B2 noun #8,000 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

breadwinner

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At the A1 level, 'breadwinner' is a very advanced word. Most A1 learners should focus on 'father,' 'mother,' and 'work.' You can think of a breadwinner as the person in the family who goes to work to buy food (bread). For example: 'My dad works. He buys bread and milk. He is the person who gets the money.' In simple terms, it is the 'money-person' for the family. You don't need to use this word yet, but it is good to know that 'bread' means food and 'winner' means the person who gets it. In a family, someone must work to pay for the house and the food. That person is called the breadwinner. It is a special name for the person who earns the money for everyone else in the house.

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At the A2 level, you can start to understand 'breadwinner' as a compound word: bread + winner. In English, 'bread' can mean money (slang) or food. A 'winner' is someone who gets something. So, a breadwinner is the person who gets the money for the family. You might hear this in stories about families. For example: 'His mother is the breadwinner. She works in a bank. His father stays home with the children.' It is a noun. You use it to describe a person's role in the family. It is more specific than just saying 'worker.' It tells us that other people depend on this person's money. If the breadwinner loses their job, the whole family has a problem.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'breadwinner' in discussions about family and work. It is a common word in topics related to 'Modern Life' or 'Changing Traditions.' You can use it to compare the past and the present. For example, 'In the past, the father was usually the sole breadwinner, but now both parents often work.' This word helps you explain who is responsible for the finances in a home. You should also recognize the phrase 'sole breadwinner,' which means the only person earning money. B1 learners can use this word to add variety to their vocabulary instead of always saying 'the person who earns the money.' It sounds more natural and professional.

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At the B2 level, you should understand the sociological implications of the term 'breadwinner.' It is frequently used in articles about gender equality, the economy, and social changes. You should be comfortable using it in both writing and speaking. For instance, you might discuss the 'stigma' sometimes attached to female breadwinners in traditional societies, or the 'stress' of being the primary breadwinner during an economic downturn. At this level, you should also be aware of collocations like 'primary breadwinner,' 'main breadwinner,' and 'reluctant breadwinner.' You understand that the word carries a sense of duty and responsibility, and you can use it to describe complex family dynamics and economic pressures accurately.

At the C1 level, you can use 'breadwinner' with nuance and precision. You recognize its historical weight and how it is used in academic discourse to discuss the 'breadwinner model' of social welfare. You can use it to analyze power structures within a household, noting how financial contribution often correlates with domestic authority. You might use the term in a debate about 'universal basic income' or 'parental leave,' arguing how these policies affect the traditional breadwinner role. You are also aware of more idiomatic or literary uses, and you can distinguish it from similar terms like 'provider' or 'wage-earner' based on the subtle connotations of sustenance and familial obligation. Your usage is fluid and contextually appropriate.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term 'breadwinner.' You can use it to explore deep-seated cultural archetypes and their evolution in literature and media. You might critique the 'breadwinner' identity as a social construct that places undue burden on individuals. You can use the word in highly formal academic writing, perhaps in a thesis on labor economics or gender studies, or in sophisticated creative writing to evoke the emotional weight of providing for a family. You understand the etymological roots and the way the term has been co-opted or subverted in different historical periods. You can also use it metaphorically in business contexts, while being fully aware of its primary domestic meaning.

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A breadwinner is the primary person who earns money to support a family or household's needs.
The term implies a heavy sense of financial responsibility and often contrasts with the role of a homemaker.
Historically gendered, the term is now used for any gender but still carries connotations of duty and sacrifice.
Commonly used in economic, sociological, and personal contexts to discuss family dynamics and financial stability.

The term breadwinner is a foundational concept in sociology and family economics, referring to the primary or sole income earner in a household. While the word itself evokes a simple image of someone bringing food to the table, its implications are deeply woven into the fabric of social history, gender roles, and the evolving nature of the modern workforce. In a traditional sense, the breadwinner was the person who went out into the public sphere to engage in labor, while other family members managed the private sphere of the home. However, in the 21st century, the definition has expanded. We now see households with multiple breadwinners, female breadwinners, and even 'breadwinning' children in specific economic circumstances. When you use this word, you aren't just talking about a paycheck; you are talking about the weight of financial responsibility and the provider role within a kinship group.

Economic Context: In economics, a breadwinner is analyzed through the lens of household income distribution and labor participation rates.
Sociological Context: Sociologists use the term to discuss power dynamics within families, noting that the person who earns the most often has the most decision-making power.
Historical Context: Historically, the 'male breadwinner model' dominated Western industrial societies during the 19th and 20th centuries.

After his father fell ill, Mark suddenly found himself as the family's sole breadwinner, working two jobs to ensure his younger siblings could stay in school.

The usage of 'breadwinner' often carries an emotional or moral weight. It is rarely used in a purely clinical way; instead, it implies a sense of duty, sacrifice, and the burden of supporting others. If someone is described as the 'breadwinner,' there is an underlying acknowledgement that their labor is the lifeline for the entire family. In modern discourse, you will hear it frequently in debates regarding the 'gender pay gap' or 'work-life balance,' as the expectations placed on breadwinners often conflict with the desire for emotional presence at home. The word is versatile enough for both a casual conversation about family finances and a complex academic paper on domestic labor trends.

In many dual-income households, both partners act as breadwinners, sharing the financial burden equally.

Furthermore, the word is often used to contrast with the role of a 'homemaker.' While a homemaker manages the domestic chores and childcare, the breadwinner manages the external financial resources. However, as societal norms shift, these roles are increasingly overlapping. You might hear the term 'primary breadwinner' to distinguish who earns the majority of the income in a household where both adults work. This distinction is crucial in financial planning and legal discussions, such as during divorce proceedings or insurance assessments. The term remains a powerful signifier of status and responsibility within the family unit.

Sociological studies indicate that the identity of the breadwinner is often tied to self-esteem and societal recognition.

Even as a teenager, she became a partial breadwinner by contributing her part-time earnings to the household rent.

The documentary explores the lives of female breadwinners in conservative societies where traditional roles are still the norm.

To use 'breadwinner' effectively, you must understand its grammatical placement as a noun and its semantic weight. It is most frequently used with adjectives like 'sole,' 'primary,' 'main,' or 'secondary.' These modifiers help clarify the extent of the person's financial contribution. For example, saying someone is the 'sole breadwinner' implies that no one else in the house earns money, which places a significant amount of pressure on that individual. Conversely, 'primary breadwinner' suggests that while others might work, this person provides the bulk of the income. You can use it as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or within a prepositional phrase.

As a Subject: The breadwinner often feels a great deal of stress regarding job security.
As an Object: The family lost their breadwinner during the economic recession of 2008.
With Modifiers: She took pride in being the primary breadwinner for her family of five.

When the company closed, many families were left without a breadwinner, leading to a local economic crisis.

In formal writing, 'breadwinner' is often paired with verbs like 'become,' 'remain,' 'serve as,' or 'support.' For instance, 'He served as the breadwinner for thirty years.' In more informal or emotional contexts, you might see it used to describe a shift in family dynamics, such as 'She became the breadwinner after her husband went back to university.' It is also common in discussions about life insurance and financial planning, where the 'breadwinner's' income must be protected. When writing about this topic, ensure that you are sensitive to the cultural implications, as the term can sometimes carry baggage related to outdated gender expectations.

The rise of the female breadwinner is one of the most significant social shifts of the last fifty years.

Consider the difference between 'earner' and 'breadwinner.' While 'earner' is a neutral term for anyone who makes money, 'breadwinner' implies that the money is used to support others. You wouldn't typically call a single person living alone a 'breadwinner' because there is no 'family' or 'household' to win the bread for. Use the term specifically when there is a dependency relationship involved. This nuance is what makes the word so specific and useful in describing social structures.

Being the sole breadwinner meant that he had very little time to spend with his children during the week.

They discussed who would be the breadwinner while the other partner pursued a doctorate degree.

The tax laws in some countries provide benefits specifically designed for the primary breadwinner of a large family.

You will encounter 'breadwinner' in several distinct environments. First and foremost, it is a staple of news reporting and economic analysis. When journalists discuss the 'middle class,' they often talk about the struggles of the 'average breadwinner' to keep up with inflation or rising housing costs. In this context, the word serves as a stand-in for the working parent or the head of the household. It humanizes economic data by reminding the audience that numbers represent real people trying to provide for their loved ones. You might see headlines like 'The Decline of the Sole Breadwinner' or 'How Breadwinners are Coping with the Gig Economy.'

In the News: Journalists use it to highlight the human element of economic shifts.
In Pop Culture: Movies and TV shows often use the breadwinner trope to create conflict (e.g., a father losing his job).
In Legal/Finance: Insurance agents and lawyers use it to define financial dependency.

The podcast discussed the psychological impact of being a female breadwinner in a culture that expects men to lead financially.

In popular culture, the 'breadwinner' is a common character archetype. Think of classic sitcoms where the father comes home from work with a briefcase; he is the archetypal breadwinner. Modern media, however, often subverts this. Shows like 'Breaking Bad' or 'Ozark' feature protagonists who justify their criminal actions by claiming they are doing it to be the 'breadwinner' for their family. This shows how the term can be used as a moral justification for behavior. It taps into a deep-seated cultural belief that providing for one's family is a primary duty that can override other ethical considerations. You will also hear it in self-help and relationship advice, where experts discuss how to navigate the 'breadwinner-homemaker' dynamic without resentment.

During the town hall meeting, a local breadwinner spoke out about the lack of affordable childcare in the area.

In professional settings, specifically HR and benefits administration, 'breadwinner' might be used less formally than 'head of household,' but the meaning is the same. When discussing life insurance policies, an agent might ask, 'Who is the main breadwinner in the family?' to determine how much coverage is needed to replace that person's income in the event of their death. It’s a word that bridges the gap between technical financial terms and everyday human experience.

The novel portrays the struggle of a young woman who becomes the breadwinner for her impoverished community.

In many households, the role of breadwinner shifts between partners depending on whose career is currently more lucrative.

The term breadwinner is often used in political speeches to appeal to the 'hard-working family man or woman.'

One common mistake learners make is using 'breadwinner' to describe anyone who has a job. Remember, a breadwinner earns money *to support others*. If you are single, live alone, and support only yourself, you are an 'earner' or a 'worker,' but you are not typically called a 'breadwinner.' The term implies a social or familial obligation. Another mistake is using it as a verb. While you can 'win the bread' (though this is an idiom, 'bringing home the bacon' is more common), 'breadwinner' itself is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'He breadwins for his family.'

Incorrect Usage (Non-dependent): 'I live alone and I am the breadwinner.' (Better: 'I am self-supporting.')
Incorrect Part of Speech: 'She is breadwinning for the family.' (Better: 'She is the breadwinner.')
Confusing with 'Provider': While similar, 'provider' can also mean giving emotional support or care, while 'breadwinner' is specifically financial.

Incorrect: He is a breadwinner because he likes to shop. (Correct: He is a big spender.)

Another nuance to be aware of is the gendered history of the word. In the past, 'breadwinner' almost exclusively referred to men. While it is now gender-neutral, using it in a way that assumes it must be a man can come across as dated or sexist. For example, avoid saying 'The breadwinner and his wife' if the wife also works or if the breadwinner could be the wife. Instead, use 'The breadwinner and their partner.' Additionally, don't confuse 'breadwinner' with 'homemaker.' They are often presented as opposites in traditional family structures.

Incorrect: The breadwinner of the company is the CEO. (Correct: The CEO is the primary driver of revenue, but 'breadwinner' is for families.)

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'breadwinner' with 'winner' in a competitive sense. A breadwinner isn't 'winning' a game or a race; they are 'winning' (earning) the means to survive. It's about sustenance, not victory. Using the word to describe someone who simply earns a lot of money without supporting a family is a common misuse. A millionaire bachelor is wealthy, but he isn't a breadwinner unless he's supporting his parents, siblings, or children.

Incorrect: She is the breadwinner of the lottery. (Correct: She is the lottery winner.)

Incorrect: He is the breadwinner of the office. (Correct: He is the top salesperson.)

Avoid saying: 'The breadwinner must be the man.' This is a stereotype, not a definition.

While 'breadwinner' is a very specific term, there are several synonyms and related words that you can use depending on the context. 'Provider' is perhaps the closest synonym, but it has a broader meaning that includes emotional and physical care. 'Earner' is a more neutral, clinical term that doesn't imply the same level of family responsibility. 'Head of household' is a formal, often legal term used by governments and tax authorities. Understanding the subtle differences between these words will help you choose the right one for your writing or speech.

Provider vs. Breadwinner: A provider takes care of all needs; a breadwinner specifically earns the money.
Earner vs. Breadwinner: An earner is anyone with an income; a breadwinner supports a family with that income.
Income-earner vs. Breadwinner: 'Income-earner' is more common in academic or statistical reports.

While he was the primary breadwinner, his wife was the primary caregiver, creating a balanced partnership.

In some contexts, you might use 'wage-earner' to emphasize that the person works for an hourly or monthly wage. This is often used in labor history or socialist literature. 'Meal ticket' is a slang term that is often derogatory; it implies that someone is being used only for their money. For example, 'She only sees him as a meal ticket.' This is very different from the more respectful 'breadwinner.' Another related term is 'sole support,' often used in legal documents to describe a person who provides 100% of the financial needs of a dependent.

The government redefined 'head of household' to be more inclusive of different family structures beyond the traditional breadwinner model.

When discussing the person who earns the most in a group that isn't a family, you might use 'main contributor' or 'top earner.' However, 'breadwinner' is so deeply tied to the idea of 'bread' (sustenance) that it remains the most evocative word for describing the person who keeps a family fed and housed. Choose 'breadwinner' when you want to emphasize the essential, life-sustaining nature of the income.

He didn't want to just be an earner; he wanted to be a breadwinner who was also present for his children's milestones.

The shift from a single breadwinner to dual-income households has changed the way families spend their leisure time.

In many immigrant families, the first generation to arrive often acts as the collective breadwinner for relatives back home.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In the 1800s, 'bread' was the most important part of the diet for working-class people, so 'winning the bread' was synonymous with survival.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈbredˌwɪn.ər/

US /ˈbredˌwɪn.ɚ/

BRED-win-ner

Reimt sich auf

head-spinner bed-winner lead-thinner dead-inner red-dinner tread-thinner shed-winner fed-inner

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'bread' like 'breed'. It should be a short 'e' sound.
Stressing the second syllable 'WIN'. The stress should be on 'BRED'.
Confusing 'winner' with 'whiner'. 'Winner' has a short 'i', 'whiner' has a long 'i'.
Dropping the 'd' in 'bread', making it sound like 'bre-winner'.
Adding an 's' to make it 'breads-winner' (incorrect).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires understanding of family dynamics to use correctly.

Sprechen 4/5

Common in discussions about life and work.

Hören 3/5

Clear pronunciation but can be fast.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

work family earn money support

Als Nächstes lernen

homemaker dependent income salary household

Fortgeschritten

dichotomy sociological demographic infrastructure intersectionality

Wichtige Grammatik

Compound Nouns

Bread + Winner = Breadwinner. The first part modifies the second.

Countable Nouns

One breadwinner, two breadwinners. Always needs a determiner in singular.

Possessive Nouns

The breadwinner's salary was enough for everyone.

Agent Nouns

The suffix '-er' indicates the person who performs the action (winning/earning).

Adjective Placement

The 'sole' breadwinner. Adjectives come before the noun.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

My father is the breadwinner.

Mon père est le gagne-pain.

Subject + is + the + breadwinner.

She is the breadwinner for her family.

Elle est le gagne-pain de sa famille.

Use 'for' to show who she supports.

Who is the breadwinner in your house?

Qui est le gagne-pain chez toi ?

Question form with 'Who'.

The breadwinner gets the money.

Le gagne-pain gagne l'argent.

Simple present tense.

A breadwinner works hard.

Un gagne-pain travaille dur.

Indefinite article 'A'.

Is he the breadwinner?

Est-il le gagne-pain ?

Inversion for question.

My mom is a great breadwinner.

Ma maman est un super gagne-pain.

Adjective 'great' before the noun.

They need a breadwinner.

Ils ont besoin d'un gagne-pain.

Verb 'need' + object.

Being the breadwinner is a big job.

Être le gagne-pain est un grand travail.

Gerund 'Being' as the subject.

The sole breadwinner lost his job.

Le seul gagne-pain a perdu son emploi.

'Sole' means only one.

She became the breadwinner last year.

Elle est devenue le gagne-pain l'année dernière.

Past tense of 'become'.

The breadwinner buys the food.

Le gagne-pain achète la nourriture.

Third person singular 'buys'.

Is the breadwinner always the father?

Le gagne-pain est-il toujours le père ?

Adverb 'always' after the verb 'is'.

Many breadwinners work in offices.

Beaucoup de gagne-pain travaillent dans des bureaux.

Plural form 'breadwinners'.

He is the main breadwinner now.

Il est le gagne-pain principal maintenant.

Adjective 'main' for emphasis.

The family has two breadwinners.

La famille a deux gagne-pain.

Number + plural noun.

In modern families, both parents are often breadwinners.

Dans les familles modernes, les deux parents sont souvent des gagne-pain.

Use of 'often' and plural 'breadwinners'.

He felt the pressure of being the sole breadwinner.

Il a ressenti la pression d'être le seul gagne-pain.

'Pressure of' + gerund.

The role of the breadwinner has changed over time.

Le rôle du gagne-pain a changé au fil du temps.

Present perfect 'has changed'.

She is proud to be the primary breadwinner.

Elle est fière d'être le gagne-pain principal.

Infinitive 'to be' after 'proud'.

They discussed who would be the breadwinner.

Ils ont discuté de qui serait le gagne-pain.

Indirect question with 'would be'.

The breadwinner's income is very important.

Le revenu du gagne-pain est très important.

Possessive form 'breadwinner's'.

If the breadwinner gets sick, the family suffers.

Si le gagne-pain tombe malade, la famille en souffre.

First conditional structure.

Most breadwinners value job security.

La plupart des gagne-pain apprécient la sécurité de l'emploi.

'Most' + plural noun.

Societal expectations often place a heavy burden on the breadwinner.

Les attentes sociétales pèsent souvent lourdement sur le gagne-pain.

Abstract noun 'expectations' as subject.

The rise of female breadwinners is a significant demographic shift.

L'augmentation des femmes gagne-pain est un changement démographique important.

'Rise of' + noun phrase.

He struggled with his identity when he was no longer the breadwinner.

Il a lutté avec son identité lorsqu'il n'était plus le gagne-pain.

'No longer' to show a change in state.

The primary breadwinner often has more influence in financial decisions.

Le gagne-pain principal a souvent plus d'influence dans les décisions financières.

Comparative 'more' with 'influence'.

Many families depend entirely on a single breadwinner.

De nombreuses familles dépendent entièrement d'un seul gagne-pain.

Adverb 'entirely' modifying 'depend'.

The breadwinner model is becoming less common in urban areas.

Le modèle du gagne-pain devient moins courant dans les zones urbaines.

Compound noun 'breadwinner model'.

She balanced her career as a breadwinner with her role as a mother.

Elle a équilibré sa carrière de gagne-pain avec son rôle de mère.

Verb 'balanced' with 'with'.

The breadwinner's absence was felt deeply by the children.

L'absence du gagne-pain a été profondément ressentie par les enfants.

Passive voice 'was felt'.

The erosion of the traditional breadwinner role has profound implications for family law.

L'érosion du rôle traditionnel de gagne-pain a des implications profondes pour le droit de la famille.

Complex noun phrase 'erosion of... role'.

Policy makers must consider the needs of low-income breadwinners.

Les décideurs politiques doivent tenir compte des besoins des gagne-pain à faible revenu.

Modal 'must' for necessity.

Being the sole breadwinner can lead to chronic stress and burnout.

Être le seul gagne-pain peut mener au stress chronique et à l'épuisement professionnel.

Gerund phrase as subject + modal 'can'.

The documentary critiqued the myth of the heroic male breadwinner.

Le documentaire a critiqué le mythe du héros gagne-pain masculin.

Verb 'critiqued' with 'myth of'.

Economic volatility poses a direct threat to the stability of the breadwinner.

La volatilité économique pose une menace directe à la stabilité du gagne-pain.

Verb 'poses' + 'threat to'.

She navigated the complexities of being a high-earning female breadwinner.

Elle a navigué dans les complexités d'être une femme gagne-pain à haut revenu.

Noun 'complexities' + 'of being'.

The study explores how breadwinners negotiate domestic labor with their partners.

L'étude explore comment les gagne-pain négocient le travail domestique avec leurs partenaires.

Subordinate clause with 'how'.

The cultural archetype of the breadwinner is deeply ingrained in our collective psyche.

L'archétype culturel du gagne-pain est profondément enraciné dans notre psyché collective.

Passive 'is deeply ingrained'.

The quintessential breadwinner of the Victorian era was expected to be a bastion of financial stability.

Le gagne-pain quintessentiel de l'époque victorienne était censé être un bastion de stabilité financière.

Adjective 'quintessential' and 'expected to be'.

Sociological discourse often deconstructs the power dynamics inherent in the breadwinner-homemaker dichotomy.

Le discours sociologique déconstruit souvent les dynamiques de pouvoir inhérentes à la dichotomie gagne-pain/femme au foyer.

Academic verbs 'deconstructs' and 'inherent in'.

The precariousness of the gig economy has fundamentally altered the lived experience of the modern breadwinner.

La précarité de l'économie à la demande a fondamentalement modifié l'expérience vécue du gagne-pain moderne.

Present perfect 'has fundamentally altered'.

One must acknowledge the intersectionality of race and class when discussing the challenges faced by breadwinners.

On doit reconnaître l'intersectionnalité de la race et de la classe lors de la discussion des défis rencontrés par les gagne-pain.

Formal pronoun 'One' and 'intersectionality'.

The breadwinner's psychological contract with their family often hinges on the promise of security.

Le contrat psychologique du gagne-pain avec sa famille repose souvent sur la promesse de sécurité.

Metaphorical 'psychological contract' and 'hinges on'.

The shift toward dual-breadwinner households has necessitated a radical reimagining of urban infrastructure.

Le passage aux ménages à deux gagne-pain a nécessité une réimagination radicale de l'infrastructure urbaine.

Verb 'necessitated' and 'reimagining'.

The narrative of the 'reluctant breadwinner' serves as a poignant critique of late-stage capitalism.

Le récit du 'gagne-pain réticent' sert de critique poignante du capitalisme tardif.

Phrasal verb 'serves as' and 'poignant critique'.

Subverting the traditional breadwinner trope, the novel presents a world where financial provision is communal.

Subvertissant le trope traditionnel du gagne-pain, le roman présente un monde où la provision financière est collective.

Participial phrase 'Subverting... trope'.

Synonyme

provider earner wage earner supporter moneymaker

Gegenteile

dependent non-earner unemployed person

Häufige Kollokationen

sole breadwinner

primary breadwinner

female breadwinner

main breadwinner

reluctant breadwinner

traditional breadwinner

become the breadwinner

act as the breadwinner

breadwinner model

support as a breadwinner

Häufige Phrasen

bring home the bacon

— To earn the money that a family lives on. This is the idiomatic equivalent of being the breadwinner.

He works two jobs to bring home the bacon.

put food on the table

— To earn enough money to provide basic necessities for a family.

As the breadwinner, his main goal is to put food on the table.

keep the wolf from the door

— To earn just enough money to afford food and a place to live.

The breadwinner's small salary barely keeps the wolf from the door.

the family's meal ticket

— A person used solely for their ability to earn money (often derogatory).

He felt like he was just the family's meal ticket.

wear the pants

— To be the person in a relationship who has the most power (often the breadwinner).

In that house, the breadwinner clearly wears the pants.

feather one's nest

— To make oneself wealthy, sometimes at the expense of others.

The breadwinner was accused of feathering his own nest while the family struggled.

pay the piper

— To bear the consequences or the cost of something.

The breadwinner always has to pay the piper when bills come due.

earn one's crust

— To earn enough money to live on (British informal).

He's just trying to earn his crust as the family breadwinner.

the weight on one's shoulders

— The heavy responsibility one feels (often used to describe a breadwinner's stress).

Being the sole breadwinner is a heavy weight on her shoulders.

bread and butter

— One's main source of income.

The breadwinner's bread and butter comes from his consulting work.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

breadwinner vs winner

A breadwinner earns money; a winner wins a game.

breadwinner vs provider

A provider gives all kinds of support; a breadwinner is specifically about money.

breadwinner vs earner

An earner makes money; a breadwinner supports others with that money.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"bring home the bacon"

— To earn a living for the family.

My mom brings home the bacon while my dad cooks it.

Informal

"to be the meal ticket"

— To be someone's source of financial support.

He realized she only married him to be her meal ticket.

Informal/Derogatory

"put bread on the table"

— To provide the basic necessities.

It's hard to put bread on the table with these low wages.

Neutral

"earn one's salt"

— To be worth one's pay.

The breadwinner really earns his salt by working overtime.

Idiomatic

"keep the pot boiling"

— To keep a process going, usually by providing money.

The breadwinner's extra shifts keep the pot boiling.

Old-fashioned

"strike it rich"

— To suddenly become wealthy (a breadwinner's dream).

The breadwinner hoped to strike it rich with his new business.

Informal

"live from hand to mouth"

— To have only enough money for basic needs (struggling breadwinner).

As a low-wage breadwinner, they lived from hand to mouth.

Neutral

"foot the bill"

— To pay for something.

The breadwinner usually has to foot the bill for family vacations.

Informal

"pick up the tab"

— To pay the cost of something.

The primary breadwinner picked up the tab for the dinner party.

Informal

"make ends meet"

— To earn enough money to pay for things you need.

The breadwinner struggled to make ends meet after the rent increase.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

breadwinner vs Earner

Both involve making money.

An earner is anyone with a job; a breadwinner is an earner who supports a family.

He is a high earner, but since he's single, he's not a breadwinner.

breadwinner vs Homemaker

They are both family roles.

A breadwinner works outside for money; a homemaker works inside for the family.

In their house, he is the breadwinner and she is the homemaker.

breadwinner vs Head of household

Both refer to the main person in a house.

Head of household is a legal/tax term; breadwinner is a social/financial term.

She is the breadwinner, and for tax reasons, she is also the head of household.

breadwinner vs Supporter

Both mean giving help.

A supporter can be emotional or political; a breadwinner is financial.

He is a big supporter of her career, but she is the actual breadwinner.

breadwinner vs Winner

The word 'winner' is inside 'breadwinner'.

A winner wins a competition; a breadwinner 'wins' (earns) a living.

The lottery winner became the family's breadwinner.

Satzmuster

X is the breadwinner.

He is the breadwinner.

X became the breadwinner after Y.

She became the breadwinner after her father retired.

The role of the breadwinner is X.

The role of the breadwinner is changing.

Despite being the breadwinner, X...

Despite being the breadwinner, he still did all the cooking.

The quintessential breadwinner X...

The quintessential breadwinner was expected to provide total security.

As the sole breadwinner, X...

As the sole breadwinner, she felt a lot of stress.

X is no longer the breadwinner.

He is no longer the breadwinner since he lost his job.

The rise of the female breadwinner X...

The rise of the female breadwinner has altered social norms.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

breadwinner

breadwinning

Adjektive

breadwinning (as a participle)

Verwandt

bread

winner

earn

provider

household

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frequency

Common in family and economic discussions.

Häufige Fehler

Using it for a single person. → I am self-supporting.
A breadwinner must have dependents.
Using it as a verb. → She is the breadwinner.
'Breadwinner' is a noun, not a verb.
Saying 'bread-winner' (with a hyphen). → breadwinner
It is now commonly written as one word without a hyphen.
Confusing with 'homemaker'. → He is the breadwinner; she is the homemaker.
They are opposite roles in a traditional model.
Using it to mean 'winner of a prize'. → He won the lottery.
Breadwinner is about earning a living, not winning a game.

Tipps

Context Matters

Only use 'breadwinner' when referring to someone supporting a family. If they live alone, use 'earner'.

Pair with Adjectives

Always try to use modifiers like 'sole,' 'primary,' or 'main' to make your meaning clearer.

Gender Neutrality

Remember that anyone, regardless of gender, can be a breadwinner in modern English.

Avoid Verbs

Don't say 'he is breadwinning.' Say 'he is the breadwinner' or 'he is the one breadwinning' (though the latter is rare).

Provider vs Breadwinner

Use 'provider' if you want to sound more emotional and 'breadwinner' if you want to sound more financial.

Countable Noun

Always treat it as a countable noun. 'The breadwinners (plural) were honored at the ceremony.'

Bread = Money

Remember that 'bread' is old slang for money, which helps you remember the meaning.

Sociological Use

In academic writing, use it to discuss 'gender roles' and 'household dynamics'.

Stress the First Part

Always put the emphasis on 'BRED', not 'winner'.

Idiomatic Alternative

Use 'bringing home the bacon' for a more colorful, informal way to say the same thing.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a person 'winning' a race to get 'bread' for their family. The winner brings the bread home.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person in a business suit holding a large loaf of bread like a trophy.

Word Web

family money job support food responsibility income household

Herausforderung

Write three sentences about who the breadwinner was in your favorite childhood book or movie.

Wortherkunft

The word 'breadwinner' emerged in the early 19th century (around 1810-1820). It is a compound of 'bread' and 'winner'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally, one who 'wins' or earns the 'bread' (food) for the family.

Germanic (English)

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that some people find the term 'breadwinner' outdated or gendered. Use 'primary earner' if you want to be more neutral.

The term is often used in political debates about the 'working class' and 'family values.'

The Breadwinner (novel and film by Deborah Ellis) Breaking Bad (Walter White's justification) The 1950s 'Father Knows Best' archetype

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Family Dinner

Who's the breadwinner?
Supporting the family
Hard-working
Provider

Job Interview

Sole breadwinner
Financial responsibility
Career goals
Stability

Sociology Class

Breadwinner model
Gender roles
Division of labor
Economic power

Insurance Meeting

Protecting the breadwinner
Income replacement
Beneficiary
Financial security

Economic News

Average breadwinner
Cost of living
Inflation impact
Wages

Gesprächseinstiege

"Who was the primary breadwinner in your family when you were growing up?"

"Do you think the concept of a 'sole breadwinner' is still realistic today?"

"How do you think being the breadwinner affects a person's mental health?"

"In your culture, is it more common for men or women to be the breadwinners?"

"Would you prefer to be the breadwinner or the homemaker in a relationship?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe the pressures that a sole breadwinner might face in today's economy.

Write about a time someone in your family had to step up and become the breadwinner.

How has the definition of 'breadwinner' changed over the last 50 years in your country?

Reflect on whether you want to be the primary breadwinner in your future family.

Discuss the relationship between being a breadwinner and having power in a family.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, in some unfortunate economic situations or in the case of child actors, a child can be the primary breadwinner for their family.

Historically it was associated with men, but today it is gender-neutral. However, some prefer 'primary earner' to avoid historical baggage.

It refers to a person who is the only source of income for their entire household.

You can say, 'She is the main breadwinner in her family,' or 'He felt the pressure of being the sole breadwinner.'

A breadwinner is focused on financial support, while a provider may offer emotional, physical, and financial support.

It is neutral. It can be used in casual conversation and in formal sociological writing.

It comes from the idea of 'winning' (earning) the money to buy 'bread' (the basic food for survival).

Yes, this is called a dual-breadwinner household.

Someone who has to earn the money for the family but would prefer to be doing something else, like staying home.

Yes, it is often used as a noun or adjective to describe the act of being a breadwinner.

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