This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
German
Vocabulary
unverheiratet

B1 adjective #3,000 most common 10 min read

unverheiratet

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips unverheiratet in 30 Seconds

Explanation unverheiratet in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words for family and relationships. You might know 'verheiratet' (married). 'Unverheiratet' is the opposite. It means 'not married'. At this stage, you only need to know how to use it with the verb 'sein' (to be). For example: 'Ich bin unverheiratet.' This is a long word, so practice saying it slowly: un-ver-hei-ra-tet. In A1, you might also use 'Single', which is easier and more common in casual talk. However, 'unverheiratet' is good to know if you see it on a form or in a simple text about a family. Don't worry about the complex endings yet; just focus on the basic meaning: No wedding ring, no husband or wife.

At A2, you are expanding your vocabulary to describe people's lives in more detail. You should recognize 'unverheiratet' as a formal way to say someone is not married. You might encounter this word when reading short biographies or news snippets. You should also start to see the difference between 'unverheiratet' and 'allein' (alone). A person can be 'unverheiratet' but live with a partner. You will also learn that 'un-' is a prefix that means 'not', which helps you understand other words like 'unglücklich' (unhappy) or 'unwichtig' (unimportant). In A2, try to use it in simple sentences about your friends or family, like 'Meine Schwester ist unverheiratet, aber sie hat einen Freund.'

At the B1 level, you need to understand the social and legal nuances of 'unverheiratet'. This is where you distinguish it from 'ledig'. 'Ledig' is the official term for 'never married' on forms. 'Unverheiratet' is the general state. You should be able to use the word in more complex sentences, including those with adjective endings. For example: 'Ein unverheirateter Mann hat oft mehr Steuern zu zahlen.' You should also understand that 'unverheiratet' is a neutral term and is very common in German society, where many couples choose not to marry. You will hear this word in discussions about taxes, insurance, and family law. It is a key word for navigating adult life in Germany.

At B2, you should be comfortable using 'unverheiratet' in both written and spoken German. You should understand its implications in formal contexts, such as legal or sociological discussions. You might use it to discuss demographic trends, like the increasing number of 'unverheiratete Paare' in urban areas. You should also be able to nominalize the adjective: 'Die Unverheirateten' (the unmarried people). Your grammar should be precise, ensuring that adjective endings are correct in all cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive). You should also be aware of related terms like 'nichteheliche Lebensgemeinschaft' (non-marital partnership) and how 'unverheiratet' fits into that context.

At C1, you use 'unverheiratet' with total precision. You understand the subtle differences in register between 'unverheiratet', 'ledig', and 'alleinstehend'. You can discuss the legal and financial consequences of being 'unverheiratet' in Germany, such as inheritance laws (Erbrecht) and the lack of 'Ehegattensplitting'. You will encounter the word in academic texts, high-level journalism, and complex legal documents. You should be able to use it to express nuanced social observations. For example, you might analyze why certain professional groups are more likely to remain 'unverheiratet'. Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of German social structures and the legal framework surrounding family and partnership.

At the C2 level, 'unverheiratet' is just one part of a vast vocabulary. You can use it in highly sophisticated ways, perhaps in a literary analysis or a legal brief. You understand the historical evolution of the word and the social stigma that once attached to being 'unverheiratet', as well as the modern normalization of the state. You can engage in complex debates about whether the German state should continue to favor married couples over 'unverheiratete Partnerschaften'. You can use the word with stylistic flair, perhaps using it ironically or to highlight a specific sociological point. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, incorporating all its legal, social, and historical baggage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

unverheiratet in 30 Seconds

Unverheiratet means 'unmarried'. It is the direct opposite of 'verheiratet' and is used as a neutral adjective to describe marital status.
It is commonly found in formal documents, news reports, and everyday descriptions of people's relationship status in German-speaking countries.
While similar to 'ledig' (single), 'unverheiratet' is the broader term for anyone not currently married, including divorced and widowed individuals.
It requires standard adjective endings when used before a noun (e.g., ein unverheirateter Mann) but stays the same after verbs like 'sein'.

The German adjective unverheiratet is a direct equivalent to the English word 'unmarried'. At its core, it describes a person who is not currently in a legal state of marriage. While it sounds straightforward, the usage of this word in German-speaking cultures carries specific legal, social, and bureaucratic weight that distinguishes it from more casual terms like 'Single' or 'alleinstehend'. In Germany, your marital status (Familienstand) is a significant piece of information for the tax office (Finanzamt), insurance companies, and the registry office (Standesamt). Therefore, unverheiratet is often the term you will encounter in official correspondence and formal questionnaires.

Legal Context: In legal documents, 'unverheiratet' serves as a broad category that includes those who are 'ledig' (never married), 'geschieden' (divorced), or 'verwitwet' (widowed). It simply denotes the absence of a current marriage contract.
Social Context: Socially, saying someone is 'unverheiratet' is neutral. It doesn't necessarily mean they are single; many couples in Germany live together for decades and raise children while remaining 'unverheiratet'. This is often referred to as a 'nichteheliche Lebensgemeinschaft'.

Viele Paare in Berlin entscheiden sich bewusst dazu, unverheiratet zu bleiben, auch wenn sie Kinder haben.

Translation: Many couples in Berlin consciously decide to remain unmarried, even if they have children.

Historically, the term carried a certain social stigma, particularly for women (the 'alte Jungfer' or old maid), but in modern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, being unverheiratet is a perfectly standard lifestyle choice. In fact, the number of children born to 'unverheiratete Eltern' (unmarried parents) has risen significantly over the last few decades. When filling out a form, if you see the section 'Familienstand', you might not see 'unverheiratet' as an option, but rather 'ledig'. It is important to know that while they are related, 'ledig' specifically means you have never been married, whereas unverheiratet is the general state of not being married right now.

Obwohl sie seit zwanzig Jahren zusammen sind, sind sie immer noch unverheiratet.

The word is composed of the prefix 'un-' (negation) and the past participle 'verheiratet' (married). This structure is very common in German for creating opposites. You will find it used in news reports discussing demographics, in literature to describe a character's social standing, and in everyday conversation when clarifying relationship statuses. It is a 'safe' word—not too formal to be robotic, but not too casual to be disrespectful.

Demographics: Statistikämter nutzen den Begriff 'unverheiratet', um die wachsende Zahl von Alleinerziehenden und Paaren ohne Trauschein zu erfassen.

In summary, unverheiratet is an essential B1-level word because it moves beyond the simple A1 'Ich bin Single' and allows you to describe civil status with the precision required for adult life in a German-speaking country. Whether you are talking about your own life, discussing social trends, or filling out a rental application (Mietvertrag), knowing how to use unverheiratet correctly is vital.

Using unverheiratet correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective. It can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein' or 'bleiben') or attributively (before a noun, requiring declension). Because it is a relatively long word, it often appears in formal contexts, but its grammatical application is quite flexible across all German sentence structures.

1. Predicative Use (The Simple Way)

When you use 'unverheiratet' after the verb 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain), it does not change its ending. This is the easiest way for learners to use the word. It describes the subject of the sentence directly.

Mein Onkel ist mit 50 Jahren immer noch unverheiratet.

Translation: My uncle is still unmarried at 50 years old.

2. Attributive Use (With Declension)

If you place 'unverheiratet' before a noun, you must add the correct adjective ending based on the gender, case, and article of the noun. This is where many B1 learners struggle, so pay close attention to the endings.

Masculine (Nominative): Ein unverheirateter Mann hat oft andere steuerliche Verpflichtungen.
Feminine (Dative): Sie lebt mit einer unverheirateten Freundin zusammen.
Plural (Nominative): Die unverheirateten Paare fordern mehr Rechte.

3. Using it with 'bleiben'

The verb 'bleiben' is frequently paired with 'unverheiratet' to express a continuous state or a deliberate choice not to marry. This is common in discussions about lifestyle and personal values.

Sie haben sich entschieden, ihr Leben lang unverheiratet zu bleiben.

4. Contrast and Comparison

In more complex sentences, 'unverheiratet' is often used to contrast with 'verheiratet' or to specify conditions in legal or financial contexts. For example, when comparing insurance rates or inheritance laws.

Für unverheiratete Personen gelten beim Erben andere Freibeträge als für Ehepartner.

When writing about 'unverheiratet' people, remember that German often nominalizes adjectives. You can say 'die Unverheirateten' (the unmarried ones) to refer to the group as a whole. This is common in sociology and statistics. As you progress to B1 and B2, try to incorporate these nominalized forms to sound more natural and sophisticated in your writing and speaking.

While 'Single' is very common in casual German conversation, unverheiratet is the word you will hear in 'serious' life situations. If you are listening to a podcast about personal finance, watching a news segment on demographic changes, or sitting in a waiting room at a government office, this is the term that will dominate. It signifies a specific status rather than just a romantic state.

1. At the 'Bürgeramt' or 'Standesamt'

When dealing with German bureaucracy, precision is key. If a clerk asks about your status, or if you are listening to instructions on how to fill out a form, you will hear 'unverheiratet' used to define your eligibility for certain services. It is the professional way to describe anyone not in a marriage.

Sind Sie aktuell unverheiratet oder leben Sie in einer eingetragenen Partnerschaft?

Translation: Are you currently unmarried or living in a registered partnership?

2. In News and Documentaries

German media frequently discusses the 'Rückgang der Eheschließungen' (decline in marriages). In these reports, experts use 'unverheiratet' to describe the growing segment of the population that chooses to live together without a 'Trauschein' (marriage certificate). You'll hear it in phrases like 'unverheiratete Mütter' or 'die Zahl der unverheirateten Paare'.

News Snippet: 'Immer mehr Kinder in Deutschland werden von unverheirateten Eltern großgezogen, wie neue Daten des Statistischen Bundesamtes zeigen.'

3. Professional and Academic Settings

In sociology, psychology, or law lectures, 'unverheiratet' is the standard terminology. It avoids the ambiguity of 'Single' (which might imply someone is not in a relationship at all). If you are reading a German textbook or attending a seminar, this word will be used to describe demographic groups objectively.

Die Studie untersuchte die Lebenszufriedenheit von unverheirateten Männern im Vergleich zu Ehemännern.

4. Literature and Formal Narratives

In novels, particularly those with a slightly more formal or classical tone, 'unverheiratet' is used to describe a character's background. It provides a sense of their social standing or their history. For example, 'Sie blieb ihr ganzes Leben lang unverheiratet' (She remained unmarried her whole life) suggests a narrative arc or a specific character trait.

To truly master this word, try to spot it in German newspapers like 'Die Zeit' or 'FAZ'. You will see it in articles about family law, taxes, and social change. Hearing it in these contexts will help you understand its 'weight' compared to more colloquial terms.

While unverheiratet seems simple, English speakers often trip up on its nuances and its relationship with other German words for 'single'. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

1. Confusing 'unverheiratet' with 'ledig'

This is the most common mistake. In English, we often use 'unmarried' and 'single' interchangeably. In German, 'ledig' is a specific legal status meaning 'never married'. If you have been divorced, you are 'unverheiratet' (not married now), but you are NOT 'ledig'. You are 'geschieden'. Using 'ledig' when you mean 'unverheiratet' can cause confusion on legal forms.

Incorrect: Ich bin ledig, weil ich mich letztes Jahr scheiden ließ. (Wrong: Divorced people are not 'ledig'.)
Correct: Ich bin unverheiratet, weil ich mich letztes Jahr scheiden ließ.

2. Using 'unverheiratet' when you mean 'Single'

If you are at a bar and someone asks if you are seeing anyone, answering 'Ich bin unverheiratet' sounds very strange. It's like saying 'I do not possess a marriage contract' in English. In social, romantic contexts, use 'Ich bin Single' or 'Ich habe keinen Partner / keine Partnerin'. 'Unverheiratet' is too clinical for a date.

Falsch: Willst du mit mir ausgehen? - Ja, ich bin unverheiratet.

3. Adjective Ending Errors

Because 'unverheiratet' is a long word, students often forget to add the adjective endings when it's used before a noun. Remember: 'Ein unverheirateter Mann', 'Eine unverheiratete Frau', 'Das unverheiratete Paar'.

4. Overusing it in place of 'alleinstehend'

'Alleinstehend' literally means 'standing alone'. This is often used for elderly people who live by themselves or for people who have no family. While an 'alleinstehende Person' is usually 'unverheiratet', the reverse isn't always true. An 'unverheiratet' person might live with five roommates and a partner. Use 'alleinstehend' to emphasize the lack of a household partner, and 'unverheiratet' to emphasize the legal status.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—legal vs. social, 'ledig' vs. 'geschieden', and predicative vs. attributive—you will avoid the most common errors that English speakers make when trying to use this B1-level vocabulary word.

German has a rich vocabulary for describing relationships and civil status. While unverheiratet is the broad, neutral term, knowing its synonyms and near-synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

ledig: This is the most frequent alternative. It specifically means 'never married'. In every German form (Formular), you will see 'ledig' as an option for Familienstand. It is more formal and technically precise than 'unverheiratet'.
alleinstehend: Literally 'standing alone'. This refers to someone who lives alone and does not have a partner. It is often used in social work, housing advertisements ('für alleinstehende Dame'), or when discussing loneliness.
Single: Borrowed from English, this is the go-to word for casual conversations and dating apps. It implies you are 'available' and not in a committed relationship. You would never use 'Single' on a tax return, but you'd always use it at a party.
solo: Similar to 'Single', but often used to describe one's lifestyle or travel status. 'Ich verreise solo' (I travel alone). In terms of relationship status, it's slightly less common than 'Single'.

Vergleich: Er ist ledig (er war nie verheiratet) vs. Er ist unverheiratet (er hat momentan keine Ehefrau).

There are also terms for those who were once married but are now unverheiratet again:

geschieden (divorced): The legal status after a marriage is officially ended by a court.
verwitwet (widowed): The status after a spouse has passed away.
getrennt lebend (living separately): A specific legal state in Germany where a couple is still married but has begun the mandatory year of separation before a divorce can be finalized.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the complexities of German social life. You can be 'unverheiratet' but not 'alleinstehend', or 'geschieden' but no longer 'Single'. Choosing the right word shows you understand the social and legal fabric of German-speaking countries.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'Heirat' is related to 'Heim' (home), emphasizing that marriage was historically seen as the official way to establish a home.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʊnfɛɐ̯haɪ̯ʁaːtət/

US /ˈʊnfɛɐ̯haɪ̯ˌraːtət/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'un-', secondary stress on the third syllable '-hei-'.

Rhymes With

verheiratet geheiratet beheimatet verarbeitet erarbeitet vorbereitet begleitet geleitet

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (it should be 'f').
Missing the 't' at the end.
Stressing the 'hei' instead of the 'un'.
Mixing up the 'ei' (eye) with 'ie' (ee).
Pronouncing the 'h' too softly; it should be audible.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is long but its components (un-heirat-et) are easy to recognize once you know the root.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings when used attributively, which is a common B1 hurdle.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'v' as 'f' and the long vowel 'ai' requires some practice.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable due to the stressed 'un-' prefix.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

heiraten verheiratet nicht Mann Frau

Learn Next

ledig geschieden verwitwet Familienstand Lebensgefährte

Advanced

Ehegattensplitting nichteheliche Lebensgemeinschaft Standesamt Sorgerecht Erbrecht

Grammar to Know

Adjective Declension

Ein unverheiratetER Mann (Nominative Masculine).

Prefix 'un-' for Negation

un- + verheiratet = unverheiratet (not married).

Nominalization of Adjectives

Der Unverheiratete / Die Unverheirateten.

Predicative vs Attributive Adjectives

Er ist unverheiratet (Predicative - no ending) vs. Der unverheiratete Mann (Attributive - with ending).

Word Order with 'obwohl'

Obwohl er unverheiratet IST, hat er drei Kinder.

Examples by Level

Ich bin unverheiratet.

I am unmarried.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

Bist du verheiratet oder unverheiratet?

Are you married or unmarried?

Question with 'oder'.

Mein Bruder ist unverheiratet.

My brother is unmarried.

Third person singular.

Sie ist nicht verheiratet, sie ist unverheiratet.

She is not married, she is unmarried.

Contrast between 'nicht verheiratet' and 'unverheiratet'.

Wir sind alle unverheiratet.

We are all unmarried.

Plural subject.

Ist er unverheiratet?

Is he unmarried?

Inversion for question.

Meine Mutter ist wieder unverheiratet.

My mother is unmarried again.

Use of 'wieder' (again).

Das ist ein unverheirateter Mann.

That is an unmarried man.

Attributive adjective with -er ending.

Sie lebt unverheiratet mit ihrem Partner.

She lives unmarried with her partner.

Adverbial use of the adjective.

Viele junge Leute bleiben heute unverheiratet.

Many young people remain unmarried today.

Verb 'bleiben' + adjective.

Ist Ihre Schwester noch unverheiratet?

Is your sister still unmarried?

Use of 'noch' (still).

Er ist unverheiratet und hat keine Kinder.

He is unmarried and has no children.

Compound sentence with 'und'.

Wir haben viele unverheiratete Freunde.

We have many unmarried friends.

Plural adjective ending -e.

Warum bist du unverheiratet geblieben?

Why did you remain unmarried?

Perfect tense with 'geblieben'.

In diesem Formular steht 'unverheiratet'.

In this form, it says 'unmarried'.

Prepositional phrase 'in diesem Formular'.

Sie ist eine unverheiratete Frau.

She is an unmarried woman.

Feminine adjective ending -e.

Obwohl sie Kinder haben, sind sie unverheiratet.

Although they have children, they are unmarried.

Subordinate clause with 'obwohl'.

Unverheiratete Paare haben in Deutschland weniger Steuervorteile.

Unmarried couples have fewer tax advantages in Germany.

Attributive plural adjective.

Er wollte immer unverheiratet bleiben, um unabhängig zu sein.

He always wanted to remain unmarried to be independent.

Infinitive clause with 'um...zu'.

Das Gesetz gilt auch für unverheiratete Partner.

The law also applies to unmarried partners.

Dative plural ending -e (after 'für' it's accusative plural -e).

Sie ist seit der Scheidung wieder unverheiratet.

She has been unmarried again since the divorce.

Preposition 'seit' + dative.

Manche Menschen fühlen sich unverheiratet freier.

Some people feel freer being unmarried.

Comparative 'freier'.

Es gibt spezielle Versicherungen für unverheiratete Paare.

There are special insurances for unmarried couples.

Adjective declension in accusative plural.

Ich kenne keinen unverheirateten Mann in meinem Alter.

I don't know any unmarried man my age.

Accusative masculine ending -en.

Die Zahl der unverheirateten Mütter ist in den letzten Jahren gestiegen.

The number of unmarried mothers has risen in recent years.

Genitive plural adjective ending -en.

Unverheiratet zu sein, ist heute gesellschaftlich völlig akzeptiert.

Being unmarried is completely socially accepted today.

Gerund-like use of 'zu sein'.

Sie leben in einer unverheirateten Partnerschaft.

They live in an unmarried partnership.

Dative feminine ending -en.

Das Erbrecht für unverheiratete Paare ist kompliziert.

Inheritance law for unmarried couples is complicated.

Prepositional phrase with 'für'.

Viele entscheiden sich aus finanziellen Gründen, unverheiratet zu bleiben.

Many decide for financial reasons to remain unmarried.

Reflexive verb 'sich entscheiden'.

Er hinterließ sein gesamtes Vermögen seiner unverheirateten Lebensgefährtin.

He left his entire fortune to his unmarried partner.

Dative feminine ending -en.

Die Unverheirateten bilden eine immer größere Gruppe in der Statistik.

The unmarried ones form an ever-larger group in the statistics.

Nominalized adjective 'die Unverheirateten'.

Trotz ihrer langen Beziehung sind sie offiziell unverheiratet.

Despite their long relationship, they are officially unmarried.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Die steuerliche Benachteiligung unverheirateter Paare wird oft kritisiert.

The tax disadvantage of unmarried couples is often criticized.

Genitive plural adjective.

In konservativen Kreisen galt man früher als Außenseiter, wenn man unverheiratet blieb.

In conservative circles, one used to be considered an outsider if one remained unmarried.

Conditional clause with 'wenn'.

Die rechtliche Absicherung unverheirateter Partner erfordert private Verträge.

The legal protection of unmarried partners requires private contracts.

Genitive plural.

Sie thematisiert in ihrem Roman das Leben einer unverheirateten Frau im 19. Jahrhundert.

In her novel, she addresses the life of an unmarried woman in the 19th century.

Genitive feminine.

Es ist ein Trugschluss, dass unverheiratete Väter automatisch das Sorgerecht haben.

It is a misconception that unmarried fathers automatically have custody.

Noun clause with 'dass'.

Die soziale Dynamik innerhalb unverheirateter Wohngemeinschaften ist oft komplex.

The social dynamics within unmarried shared living arrangements are often complex.

Genitive plural.

Unverheiratet zu bleiben, war für sie ein Akt der Emanzipation.

Remaining unmarried was an act of emancipation for her.

Subject as an infinitive phrase.

Die Studie differenziert zwischen ledigen und geschiedenen Unverheirateten.

The study differentiates between single and divorced unmarried people.

Dative plural nominalized adjectives.

Die soziokulturelle Evolution hin zu einer Akzeptanz des Unverheiratetseins ist bemerkenswert.

The socio-cultural evolution towards an acceptance of being unmarried is remarkable.

Nominalized infinitive 'Unverheiratetsein'.

In der juristischen Literatur wird die Gleichstellung unverheirateter Lebensgemeinschaften debattiert.

In legal literature, the equalization of unmarried partnerships is debated.

Passive voice.

Das Dogma der Ehe bröckelt angesichts der Vielzahl unverheiratet zusammenlebender Paare.

The dogma of marriage is crumbling in view of the large number of unmarried couples living together.

Participle used as an adverbial modifier.

Die fiskalischen Implikationen für den unverheirateten Steuerzahler sind erheblich.

The fiscal implications for the unmarried taxpayer are significant.

Accusative masculine.

Man darf den Status 'unverheiratet' nicht pauschal mit 'alleinstehend' gleichsetzen.

One must not sweepingly equate the status 'unmarried' with 'single/living alone'.

Modal verb 'darf'.

Die Literatur des Realismus porträtierte oft das prekäre Los unverheirateter Frauen.

Realist literature often portrayed the precarious fate of unmarried women.

Genitive plural.

Die demografische Relevanz der unverheiratet bleibenden Bevölkerungsteile nimmt stetig zu.

The demographic relevance of the population segments remaining unmarried is steadily increasing.

Extended adjective phrase.

Unverheiratet zu sein, entbindet nicht von der gegenseitigen moralischen Verantwortung.

Being unmarried does not release one from mutual moral responsibility.

Negative construction with 'nicht'.

Synonyms

ledig alleinstehend Single solo ehelos unbeweibt nicht verheiratet ungebunden

Antonyms

verheiratet liiert verlobt verheiratet sein

Common Collocations

unverheiratet bleiben

unverheiratetes Paar

unverheiratete Eltern

immer noch unverheiratet

bewusst unverheiratet

offiziell unverheiratet

unverheirateter Mann

unverheiratete Frau

unverheiratet zusammenleben

lange unverheiratet

Common Phrases

glücklich unverheiratet

— Being happily unmarried. Used to express satisfaction with one's status.

Ich bin glücklich unverheiratet und vermisse nichts.

unverheiratet mit Kindern

— Unmarried with children. Describes a specific family model.

In Berlin sind viele Eltern unverheiratet mit Kindern.

noch unverheiratet

— Still unmarried. Often implies that marriage might happen later.

Meine Cousine ist mit 30 Jahren noch unverheiratet.

wieder unverheiratet

— Unmarried again. Usually refers to someone after a divorce.

Nach der Trennung ist er nun wieder unverheiratet.

unverheiratet lebend

— Living as an unmarried person. Often used in descriptions.

Die Anzahl der unverheiratet lebenden Personen steigt.

unverheiratet sein

— To be unmarried. The basic state.

Es ist heutzutage kein Problem mehr, unverheiratet zu sein.

unverheiratet bleiben wollen

— Wanting to remain unmarried. Expresses a preference.

Er sagte immer, dass er unverheiratet bleiben wolle.

für Unverheiratete

— For unmarried people. Used in ads or legal context.

Gibt es Steuervorteile für Unverheiratete?

unverheiratet und kinderlos

— Unmarried and childless. A demographic category.

Er verstarb unverheiratet und kinderlos.

als Unverheirateter

— As an unmarried person. Used to start a sentence.

Als Unverheirateter zahlt man oft mehr Steuern.

Often Confused With

unverheiratet vs ledig

Ledig means never married. Unverheiratet means not married right now (could be divorced).

unverheiratet vs alleinstehend

Alleinstehend means living alone without a partner. You can be unverheiratet but live with a partner.

unverheiratet vs Single

Single is a social/dating term. Unverheiratet is a legal/formal term.

Idioms & Expressions

"unter die Haube kommen"

— To get married (literally: to come under the cap). The opposite of staying unverheiratet.

Wann kommt sie endlich unter die Haube?

Informal/Old-fashioned

"den Bund fürs Leben schließen"

— To tie the knot / enter the bond for life.

Sie wollten nie den Bund fürs Leben schließen.

Formal/Poetic

"wilde Ehe"

— Living together without being married (literally: wild marriage).

Meine Großeltern nannten das früher 'wilde Ehe'.

Informal/Dated

"einen Korb geben"

— To reject a proposal or a date, keeping the person unverheiratet.

Sie hat ihm einen Korb gegeben.

Informal

"ewiger Junggeselle"

— Eternal bachelor. A man who stays unverheiratet forever.

Er ist der typische ewige Junggeselle.

Neutral

"auf Freiersfüßen gehen"

— To be looking for a spouse (literally: to walk on suitor's feet).

Nach Jahren als Unverheirateter geht er wieder auf Freiersfüßen.

Old-fashioned

"fest gebunden sein"

— To be in a serious relationship (the opposite of being 'free' and unverheiratet).

Er ist zwar unverheiratet, aber fest gebunden.

Neutral

"jemandem den Hof machen"

— To court someone with the goal of ending their unverheiratet status.

Er macht ihr schon lange den Hof.

Old-fashioned

"den Trauschein nicht brauchen"

— To not need the marriage certificate (to be happy being unverheiratet).

Wir brauchen keinen Trauschein, um glücklich zu sein.

Neutral

"Single-Dasein genießen"

— To enjoy being single/unmarried.

Sie genießt ihr Single-Dasein in vollen Zügen.

Informal

Easily Confused

unverheiratet vs ledig

Both translate to 'single' or 'unmarried' in English.

Ledig is a legal status (never married). Unverheiratet is a general description (not married).

Er ist geschieden, also ist er unverheiratet, aber nicht mehr ledig.

unverheiratet vs alleinstehend

Both imply being without a spouse.

Alleinstehend refers to the household (living alone). Unverheiratet refers to the legal contract.

Sie ist unverheiratet, aber nicht alleinstehend, da sie mit ihrem Partner wohnt.

unverheiratet vs ehelos

Both mean 'without marriage'.

Ehelos is very formal or religious; unverheiratet is neutral and modern.

Der Priester lebt ehelos.

unverheiratet vs ungebunden

Both suggest not being in a marriage.

Ungebunden implies no emotional or legal ties at all (free). Unverheiratet only means no marriage.

Er genießt sein ungebundenes Leben als Backpacker.

unverheiratet vs getrennt

People who are 'getrennt' are often also 'unverheiratet' (or soon to be).

Getrennt means separated but still legally married. Unverheiratet means the marriage doesn't exist.

Sie sind getrennt lebend, aber rechtlich noch nicht unverheiratet.

Sentence Patterns

Ich bin [Adjektiv].

Ich bin unverheiratet.

[Nomen] ist noch [Adjektiv].

Meine Schwester ist noch unverheiratet.

Obwohl [Subjekt] [Verb], ist [Subjekt] [Adjektiv].

Obwohl sie zusammenleben, sind sie unverheiratet.

Ein [Adjektiv]er [Nomen] hat [Nomen].

Ein unverheirateter Mann hat oft mehr Freiheit.

Die Zahl der [Adjektiv]en [Nomen] steigt.

Die Zahl der unverheirateten Paare steigt.

Es ist [Adjektiv], [Adjektiv] zu bleiben.

Es ist normal, unverheiratet zu bleiben.

Wegen des Status als [Nominalisiertes Adjektiv]...

Wegen des Status als Unverheirateter zahlt er mehr.

Die [Nomen] [Adjektiv]er Paare erfordert [Nomen].

Die rechtliche Absicherung unverheirateter Paare erfordert Vorsorge.

Word Family

Nouns

Heirat (marriage)

Hochzeit (wedding)

Ehe (marriage/matrimony)

Unverheiratetsein (the state of being unmarried)

Verbs

heiraten (to marry)

verheiraten (to marry off / to marry someone)

verehelichen (formal: to marry)

Adjectives

verheiratet (married)

ehelich (marital)

nichtehelich (non-marital)

heiratsfähig (marriageable)

Partner (partner)

Lebensgefährte (life partner)

Trauschein (marriage certificate)

Familienstand (marital status)

Ledigkeit (singlehood)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, news, and official contexts. Medium frequency in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ledig' for a divorced person. → unverheiratet / geschieden
Ledig means you have NEVER been married. Once you marry, you can never be 'ledig' again, even after a divorce.
Saying 'Ich bin unverheiratet' to mean 'I'm single and looking'. → Ich bin Single.
'Unverheiratet' is a formal status. 'Single' is a social status. Using the formal one sounds robotic in a social setting.
Forgetting adjective endings: 'Ein unverheiratet Mann'. → Ein unverheiratetER Mann.
Adjectives before masculine nouns in the nominative case need the '-er' ending.
Confusing 'unverheiratet' with 'alleinstehend'. → unverheiratet (if in a relationship but not married)
'Alleinstehend' means you have no partner and live alone. You can be 'unverheiratet' but have a partner of 20 years.
Pronouncing 'v' as 'v' instead of 'f'. → un-FER-hai-ra-tet
In German, 'v' is usually pronounced like 'f' in words of Germanic origin.

Tips

Adjective Endings

Remember to add the correct ending when 'unverheiratet' is before a noun. Masculine: -er, Feminine: -e, Neutral: -es, Plural: -e.

Official Forms

On German forms, look for 'Familienstand'. If you've never been married, choose 'ledig'. 'Unverheiratet' is the category, but 'ledig' is the specific option.

Prefix Power

Use 'un-' to create opposites. Knowing 'verheiratet' makes 'unverheiratet' easy to remember and use.

Dating Context

Avoid using 'unverheiratet' on a first date. It sounds too clinical. Use 'Single' or 'Ich habe keinen Partner' instead.

Tax Knowledge

Be aware that 'unverheiratet' usually means Steuerklasse 1 in Germany, which is the highest tax bracket for individuals.

Stress the 'Un'

In German, the 'un-' prefix is often stressed. This helps you hear the difference between 'verheiratet' and 'unverheiratet' in fast conversation.

Nominalization

When you see 'die Unverheirateten', it means 'the unmarried people'. Adjectives often turn into nouns in German.

Formal Letters

Use 'unverheiratet' when writing about third parties in a professional way, e.g., 'Frau Müller ist unverheiratet'.

Heirat = Home

Remembering that 'Heirat' comes from 'home' can help you associate marriage with establishing a shared legal home.

Unverheiratet vs. Ledig

A divorced person is 'unverheiratet' but not 'ledig'. This distinction is crucial for official German documentation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'un-' as 'undo'. You haven't 'done' the 'Heirat' (marriage) yet. UN-HEIRAT-ED.

Visual Association

Imagine a document with a checkbox for 'Married' and it's left blank or has an 'X' next to 'Unverheiratet'.

Word Web

unverheiratet ledig verheiratet Heirat Single alleinstehend Partner Ehe

Challenge

Try to find three famous people from history who were 'unverheiratet' and write a sentence about each one using the word.

Word Origin

The word is formed from the negation prefix 'un-' and the past participle 'verheiratet'. 'Heiraten' comes from Middle High German 'hīraten', which originally meant 'to take a house' or 'to set up a household'.

Original meaning: Not having established a shared household through a formal contract.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking about marital status in social settings; 'unverheiratet' can sound a bit formal or intrusive if not relevant to the conversation.

In English, 'single' is often used where Germans might use 'unverheiratet' or 'ledig'. The distinction between legal status and social status is often more emphasized in German.

The 'Ewiger Junggeselle' (eternal bachelor) is a common trope in German literature. Loriot, a famous German comedian, often joked about the differences between 'verheiratet' and 'unverheiratet' life. Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) reports annually on the number of 'unverheiratete' parents.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Filling out an application for an apartment.

Familienstand: unverheiratet
Ich bin unverheiratet.
Wir ziehen als unverheiratetes Paar ein.
Bescheinigung für Unverheiratete.

Discussing taxes with a consultant.

Steuerklasse für Unverheiratete.
Ich bin unverheiratet und habe ein Kind.
Gibt es Vorteile, wenn man unverheiratet bleibt?
Abzüge für unverheiratete Arbeitnehmer.

Talking about family history.

Sie blieb ihr Leben lang unverheiratet.
Mein Onkel war nie verheiratet, er ist immer noch unverheiratet.
In unserer Familie sind viele unverheiratet.
Damals war es schwer, unverheiratet zu sein.

Reading a newspaper article about society.

Die Zahl der unverheirateten Paare steigt.
Unverheiratete Mütter in Großstädten.
Trend zum Unverheiratetsein.
Rechte für unverheiratete Partner.

At a formal dinner or event.

Darf ich meine unverheiratete Schwester vorstellen?
Er ist ein sehr sympathischer, unverheirateter Mann.
Sind Sie verheiratet oder unverheiratet?
Wir sind unverheiratet, aber seit Jahren ein Paar.

Conversation Starters

"Findest du es wichtig, zu heiraten, oder bleibst du lieber unverheiratet?"

"Glaubst du, dass unverheiratete Paare die gleichen Rechte haben sollten wie Ehepaare?"

"In deinem Heimatland, ist es dort üblich, lange unverheiratet zusammenzuleben?"

"Warum entscheiden sich deiner Meinung nach immer mehr Menschen, unverheiratet zu bleiben?"

"Welche Vor- und Nachteile hat es, wenn man als Paar unverheiratet bleibt?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über deine Meinung zum Thema Heiraten. Möchtest du verheiratet oder unverheiratet sein? Warum?

Beschreibe eine Person, die du kennst, die schon lange unverheiratet ist. Wie ist ihr Leben?

Stelle dir vor, du lebst in einer Gesellschaft, in der niemand mehr heiratet. Wie würde sich das Leben verändern?

Reflektiere über die rechtlichen Unterschiede für unverheiratete Paare in deinem Land im Vergleich zu Deutschland.

Schreibe einen fiktiven Brief an einen Freund, der überlegt, ob er heiraten oder unverheiratet bleiben soll.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Der Begriff 'ledig' ist ein offizieller Familienstand und bedeutet, dass eine Person noch nie verheiratet war. 'Unverheiratet' ist ein allgemeinerer Begriff für jeden, der aktuell keine Ehe führt. Das schließt also auch Geschiedene oder Verwitwete ein. In offiziellen Formularen wird meistens 'ledig' verwendet, wenn man nie verheiratet war.

Ja, man spricht oft von 'unverheirateten Paaren'. Das sind Paare, die zusammenleben oder eine feste Beziehung haben, aber keinen Trauschein besitzen. In Deutschland ist das ein sehr häufiges Lebensmodell, besonders in Städten.

Ja, es ist ein völlig neutrales und höfliches Wort. Es ist weder wertend noch unhöflich. Im Vergleich zu 'Single' klingt es etwas formeller und sachlicher. Es wird oft in Nachrichten, Statistiken oder im beruflichen Kontext verwendet.

Man benutzt 'Single' eher im privaten, sozialen Kontext, zum Beispiel beim Dating oder wenn man über seinen Beziehungsstatus mit Freunden spricht. 'Single' impliziert oft, dass man auch keinen festen Partner hat. 'Unverheiratet' bezieht sich nur auf den legalen Status der Ehe.

Ja, vor allem im Steuerrecht. Verheiratete Paare können das 'Ehegattensplitting' nutzen, was oft zu weniger Steuern führt. Auch im Erbrecht oder bei der Witwenrente haben unverheiratete Partner weniger Rechte als Ehepartner. Viele Paare schließen deshalb private Verträge ab.

Es wird wie ein ganz normales Adjektiv dekliniert. Zum Beispiel: 'ein unverheirateter Mann' (maskulin), 'eine unverheiratete Frau' (feminin), 'das unverheiratete Paar' (neutral) oder 'die unverheirateten Leute' (Plural). Ohne Nomen bleibt es unverändert: 'Er ist unverheiratet.'

Nicht direkt. Das direkte Gegenteil ist 'verheiratet'. Eine Person kann 'unverheiratet' und gleichzeitig 'verlobt' sein, da eine Verlobung noch keine rechtliche Ehe ist. 'Unverheiratet' beschreibt den aktuellen rechtlichen Zustand.

Ja, man kann es für Menschen jeden Alters verwenden. Bei älteren Menschen, die alleine leben, benutzt man aber auch oft das Wort 'alleinstehend', besonders wenn sie keine Familie mehr haben.

Das ist der juristische Fachbegriff für ein unverheiratetes Paar, das zusammenlebt. In vielen Gesetzen wird dieser Begriff verwendet, um Rechte und Pflichten von Paaren ohne Trauschein zu regeln.

Es gibt kein direktes Verb, das 'nicht heiraten' bedeutet, außer 'unverheiratet bleiben'. Man kann auch sagen 'auf den Trauschein verzichten', wenn man sich bewusst gegen die Ehe entscheidet.