Meaning
To state that one is not married.
Cultural Background
The 'Steuerklasse 1' is the default for 'ledige' people. It often leads to higher tax deductions compared to married couples (Steuerklasse 3/5). In Austria, 'ledig' is used similarly, but there is a strong tradition of using academic titles alongside marital status in very formal settings. Swiss German forms use 'ledig,' but in spoken Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch), the pronunciation and usage might feel slightly more integrated into daily life. In big cities, being 'ledig' is the norm for people in their 20s and 30s. The social pressure to marry has decreased significantly compared to rural areas.
The 'ig' rule
Remember that almost all German adjectives ending in '-ig' are pronounced like '-ich'. So 'ledig' sounds like 'lay-dish'.
Don't use on Tinder
If you put 'ledig' in your dating bio, people might think you're a bit too serious or boring. Stick to 'Single'!
Meaning
To state that one is not married.
The 'ig' rule
Remember that almost all German adjectives ending in '-ig' are pronounced like '-ich'. So 'ledig' sounds like 'lay-dish'.
Don't use on Tinder
If you put 'ledig' in your dating bio, people might think you're a bit too serious or boring. Stick to 'Single'!
Tax Class 1
If you're 'ledig' in Germany, you're in Steuerklasse 1. It's good to know this for your first paycheck!
Test Yourself
Which word is most appropriate for an official tax form?
Familienstand: ________
'Ledig' is the official term for marital status on German forms.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'sein'.
Mein Bruder _______ ledig.
The third person singular of 'sein' is 'ist'.
Choose the most natural response for a dating app conversation.
Person A: Bist du verheiratet? Person B: Nein, ________.
While 'ledig' is grammatically correct, 'Single' is much more natural in a dating context.
Match the term to the situation.
1. Tax Form, 2. At a bar, 3. Feeling sad without friends
Ledig is for forms, Single is for social life, einsam is for feelings.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal Marital Status
Practice Bank
4 exercisesFamilienstand: ________
'Ledig' is the official term for marital status on German forms.
Mein Bruder _______ ledig.
The third person singular of 'sein' is 'ist'.
Person A: Bist du verheiratet? Person B: Nein, ________.
While 'ledig' is grammatically correct, 'Single' is much more natural in a dating context.
1. Tax Form, 2. At a bar, 3. Feeling sad without friends
Ledig is for forms, Single is for social life, einsam is for feelings.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsTechnically, no. On official forms, you should use 'geschieden'. However, in casual conversation, you can just say 'Ich bin Single'.
No, 'ledig' is gender-neutral when used after 'ich bin'.
They are almost identical. 'Ledig' is the more common administrative term, while 'unverheiratet' is a literal description (un-married).
Not necessarily. It only refers to your legal marriage status. You can be 'ledig' but in a long-term relationship.
Related Phrases
verheiratet
contrastmarried
geschieden
similardivorced
verwitwet
similarwidowed
verlobt
builds onengaged
alleinstehend
similarliving alone / single
