Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

Início
Aprender
Alemão
Vocabulário
lebensbedrohlich

B1 adjective #7,000 mais comum 9 min de leitura

lebensbedrohlich

Top 7,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas lebensbedrohlich em 30 segundos

Explicação lebensbedrohlich in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'lebensbedrohlich' is a very advanced word that you likely won't need to produce yourself. However, you might see it on warning signs or hear it in very simple news clips. It's best to think of it as a 'mega-danger' word. You already know 'Leben' (life) and maybe 'Gefahr' (danger). If you see a word that starts with 'Leben' and looks long and scary, it probably means something is very dangerous for your life. At this stage, focus on recognizing the 'Leben' part. If you are in Germany and see this word on a sign near a train track or a high-voltage fence, it means: 'Stop! Do not go there, you could die.' You don't need to worry about the grammar yet; just understand the warning. It is much more serious than just 'gefährlich'. Imagine a red flashing light—that is the feeling of 'lebensbedrohlich'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

By A2, you are starting to learn more adjectives and compound words. 'Lebensbedrohlich' is a perfect example of how German puts two words together to make a new meaning: 'Leben' (life) + 'bedrohlich' (threatening). You might encounter this word when talking about health or accidents in your German course. For example, if you are learning how to describe a visit to the doctor, you might learn that a 'Herzinfarkt' (heart attack) is 'lebensbedrohlich'. At this level, you should try to recognize the word when you hear it in a story or news report. You can use simpler words like 'sehr, sehr gefährlich' if you can't remember 'lebensbedrohlich', but recognizing the compound structure will help you read German newspapers and signs more effectively. Remember: 'bedrohlich' comes from 'drohen' (to threaten).

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At B1, 'lebensbedrohlich' becomes a word you should be able to use in specific contexts. This level focuses on being able to describe experiences and events. If you are describing a serious accident or a medical emergency, 'lebensbedrohlich' is the correct, precise word to use. You should know that it is an adjective and that it needs endings if it comes before a noun (e.g., 'eine lebensbedrohliche Situation'). At B1, you are expected to move beyond simple words like 'gut' or 'schlecht' and use more specific vocabulary. Using 'lebensbedrohlich' instead of 'sehr gefährlich' shows that you have a better grasp of the nuances of the German language. You will hear this word often in the 'Nachrichten' (news) or read it in 'Zeitungen' (newspapers). It is a key word for discussing social issues, safety, and health.

At the B2 level, you should use 'lebensbedrohlich' fluently and correctly in both spoken and written German. You should be comfortable with its adjective declensions in all cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive). You should also understand the difference between 'lebensbedrohlich' and its synonyms like 'lebensgefährlich' or 'tödlich'. At B2, you might use this word in more abstract discussions, such as talking about environmental threats or economic crises that are 'lebensbedrohlich' for certain industries. You should also be able to use it with modifying adverbs, like 'potenziell lebensbedrohlich' (potentially life-threatening) or 'akut lebensbedrohlich' (acutely life-threatening). Your ability to use such high-level, specific vocabulary helps you achieve a more professional and academic tone in your German communication.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

By C1, 'lebensbedrohlich' is a standard part of your vocabulary. You understand not just the meaning, but the 'weight' and 'register' of the word. You know that it is a formal, precise term. In C1 level essays or presentations, you might use 'lebensbedrohlich' to describe existential threats to society, democracy, or the planet. You are also aware of the word's place within its word family—words like 'Bedrohung', 'bedrohen', and 'bedrohlicherweise'. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as passive constructions or with subjunctive moods (e.g., 'Es wurde befürchtet, die Lage könne lebensbedrohlich werden'). At this level, your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, especially in professional contexts like medicine, law, or journalism.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'lebensbedrohlich'. You can use it with subtle irony or in highly specialized philosophical contexts. You understand the historical development of such compound adjectives in German. You can distinguish the fine lines between 'lebensbedrohlich', 'existenzbedrohend', and 'vital gefährdet'. In a C2 context, you might analyze how the word is used in political rhetoric to create a sense of urgency or fear. You are also capable of using the word in creative writing to set a specific mood of tension and gravity. Your understanding includes the collocations and the idiomatic environment of the word, allowing you to use it with maximum impact and precision in any given situation, whether it is a medical emergency or a deep philosophical debate about the nature of life.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

lebensbedrohlich em 30 segundos

Lebensbedrohlich means 'life-threatening' and is used for extremely dangerous medical or safety situations.
It is a formal compound adjective consisting of 'Leben' (life) and 'bedrohlich' (threatening).
Commonly found in news reports, medical diagnoses, and official safety warnings across German-speaking countries.
Requires proper adjective endings when used before a noun, such as 'eine lebensbedrohliche Verletzung'.

The German adjective lebensbedrohlich is a powerful compound word that translates directly to "life-threatening." It is formed by combining Leben (life) and bedrohlich (threatening). In the German language, this term carries a high degree of gravity and urgency. It is most frequently encountered in medical, emergency, and legal contexts where an individual's survival is at immediate or significant risk. Unlike the more general term gefährlich (dangerous), which can describe anything from a sharp knife to a slippery floor, lebensbedrohlich specifically quantifies the danger as being capable of causing death.

Medical Context: Used by doctors and paramedics to describe injuries, diseases, or conditions that require immediate intervention to prevent fatality. For example, a heart attack is considered a lebensbedrohlicher Zustand.
Public Safety: Used in warnings regarding extreme weather, environmental hazards, or criminal activities that pose a lethal risk to the general public.
Abstract Usage: Occasionally used in political or environmental discourse to describe threats to the 'life' of a system, such as a 'lebensbedrohliche Krise' for a democracy or an ecosystem.

Der Arzt sagte, dass die Verletzungen des Unfallopfers glücklicherweise nicht lebensbedrohlich sind.

When using this word, Germans are usually being very serious. It is not a word for hyperbole in everyday conversation. You wouldn't say a spicy chili is "lebensbedrohlich" unless you are being extremely sarcastic. It suggests a situation where every second counts. In news reports, you will often hear the phrase "schwebte in Lebensgefahr," which is a related way of saying someone was in a life-threatening state. Understanding the weight of this word helps a learner navigate serious situations with the appropriate level of concern and linguistic accuracy.

Bei einer lebensbedrohlichen allergischen Reaktion muss sofort der Notruf gewählt werden.

Register: Formal and clinical. It is the standard term in journalism and medicine.

Historically, the word reflects the German penchant for descriptive compounding. Instead of a single Latinate root like the English 'mortal,' German builds the meaning from 'life' and 'threat.' This makes the word very transparent to learners: if you know 'Leben' and 'bedrohen,' you can intuitively understand the severity of the situation being described. This transparency is a hallmark of the B1 level, where learners start connecting known roots to form complex concepts.

Using lebensbedrohlich correctly requires attention to its position in the sentence—whether it is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb). Because it is a long, multi-syllabic word, its placement can affect the rhythm of your speech. In medical reports, it often appears in the predicative form to provide a status update on a patient's health.

Sein Zustand wurde von den Sanitätern als lebensbedrohlich eingestuft.

When used before a noun, it must take the appropriate adjective ending. This is where many learners struggle. For example, in the phrase "a life-threatening danger," you would say "eine lebensbedrohliche Gefahr." The ending '-e' corresponds to the feminine gender of 'Gefahr' in the nominative case. If you are talking about a "life-threatening accident," it would be "ein lebensbedrohlicher Unfall."

Attributive Examples: 1. Eine lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung (A life-threatening illness).
2. Ein lebensbedrohlicher Virus (A life-threatening virus).
3. Lebensbedrohliche Zustände (Life-threatening conditions).

In more complex sentence structures, lebensbedrohlich can be modified by adverbs like akut (acutely) or potenziell (potentially). An "akut lebensbedrohliche Situation" means the person might die in the next few minutes, whereas a "potenziell lebensbedrohliche Situation" means the risk is there but not yet immediate. This nuance is vital in professional settings.

Es handelt sich hierbei um eine akut lebensbedrohliche Blutung.

Furthermore, consider the negation. To say something is *not* life-threatening, you use "nicht lebensbedrohlich." This is often the most relieved sentence a family can hear in a hospital waiting room. The word is also frequently paired with the verb sein (to be) or gelten als (to be considered as). Mastering these combinations allows for precise communication in high-stakes environments.

Common Verb Pairings: - als lebensbedrohlich gelten (to be considered life-threatening)
- lebensbedrohlich verletzt sein (to be life-threateningly injured)
- sich in einer lebensbedrohlichen Lage befinden (to find oneself in a life-threatening situation)

If you live in a German-speaking country, you will encounter lebensbedrohlich in specific, high-impact environments. The most common place is the nightly news (Tagesschau or Heute). When reporting on traffic accidents, natural disasters, or violent crimes, journalists use this term to convey the severity of the victims' conditions. It provides a factual, objective assessment of danger without being overly sensationalist.

Die Polizei meldet, dass bei dem Brand zwei Personen lebensbedrohliche Rauchvergiftungen erlitten haben.

In a hospital or doctor's office, this word is part of the professional vocabulary. Doctors use it when discussing a patient's prognosis with colleagues or family members. It is also found on medical forms, especially those related to allergies or pre-existing conditions. If a medication has a side effect that is lebensbedrohlich, it will be highlighted in the Beipackzettel (package insert) with extreme prominence. Safety briefings on airplanes or in industrial jobs also utilize this word to emphasize why certain protocols must be followed strictly.

TV & Media: Medical dramas like 'In aller Freundschaft' or 'Der Bergdoktor' use this word frequently to create tension and drama during emergency scenes.
Workplace Safety: Safety manuals for high-voltage electricity or chemical handling will describe certain mistakes as 'lebensbedrohlich'.

Another interesting context is in environmental activism. You might hear activists argue that climate change is a lebensbedrohliche Bedrohung (a life-threatening threat) for humanity. Here, the word moves from the individual level to a global, systemic level. Similarly, in political debates regarding the healthcare system, a lack of funding might be described as lebensbedrohlich for the quality of care. This demonstrates the word's versatility in expressing existential risk across different domains of German life.

Warnung: Das Betreten der Gleise ist lebensbedrohlich!

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing lebensbedrohlich with the simpler gefährlich. While all life-threatening things are dangerous, not all dangerous things are life-threatening. Using lebensbedrohlich for a minor cut or a slightly risky investment sounds dramatic and incorrect. It is reserved for the threshold of death.

Mistake: Overuse: Saying 'Diese Suppe ist lebensbedrohlich scharf' (This soup is life-threateningly spicy) is technically possible as a joke, but in a normal context, it sounds like you are actually dying from the spice.
Mistake: Confusion with 'lebensgefährlich': While often interchangeable, 'lebensgefährlich' is more common for external dangers (like high voltage), while 'lebensbedrohlich' is more common for internal medical states.

Another common error involves adjective endings. Because the word is long (16 letters!), learners often get tired by the end of the word and forget the declension. Remember: ein lebensbedrohlicher Unfall (masculine), eine lebensbedrohliche Krankheit (feminine), ein lebensbedrohliches Virus (neuter). Practice saying the whole word with the ending as one unit to build muscle memory.

Falsch: Der Patient hat eine lebensbedrohlich Verletzung.
Richtig: Der Patient hat eine lebensbedrohliche Verletzung.

Pronunciation can also be a pitfall. The 'th' sound does not exist in German, so the 'd' in 'bedrohlich' must be a clear, hard 'd'. The 'ch' at the end is the 'ich-Laut' (like the 'h' in 'huge' or 'human'), not a 'k' sound. Mispronouncing the end can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers. Finally, avoid using it as an adverb to mean 'very.' In English, we might say something is 'dangerously close,' but in German, you wouldn't say 'lebensbedrohlich nah' unless the proximity actually puts your life at risk.

To enrich your German vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that occupy the same semantic space as lebensbedrohlich. The most direct synonym is lebensgefährlich. In many contexts, these two are interchangeable. However, lebensgefährlich is often seen on warning signs (e.g., "Vorsicht! Lebensgefahr!"), whereas lebensbedrohlich is more common in clinical descriptions of a person's state.

lebensgefährlich: Focuses on the existence of danger. 'Das ist lebensgefährlich!' (That is life-threatening/dangerous to life).
tödlich: Means 'deadly' or 'fatal.' Use this when the outcome is certain death or has already resulted in death. 'Eine tödliche Dosis' (A lethal dose).
kritisch: Means 'critical.' Often used in hospitals ('Der Zustand ist kritisch') to imply that while the patient is not dead, they are in a very unstable and potentially life-threatening state.

Another alternative is letal, which is the technical medical term for 'lethal.' You will mostly see this in scientific papers or very formal medical reports. For something less intense, use bedrohlich (threatening) or ernsthaft (serious). If a doctor says an illness is ernsthaft, it requires treatment but isn't necessarily going to kill you immediately.

Vergleich:
1. Gefährlich: Ein Hund, der bellt.
2. Lebensbedrohlich: Ein Herzinfarkt.
3. Tödlich: Ein Sturz aus 100 Metern Höhe.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the level of risk you want to describe. In German, precision in describing danger can be a matter of legal or medical importance, so having this range of synonyms at your disposal is a significant step toward C1/C2 level proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The linking 's' in 'Lebens-bedrohlich' is a grammatical feature in German called 'Fugen-s', which helps connect two nouns or a noun and an adjective.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈleːbənsbəˌdʁoːlɪç/

US /ˈleɪbənsbəˌdɹoʊlɪk/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'le-'. Secondary stress on '-droh-'.

Rima com

bedrohlich versöhnlich gewöhnlich unversöhnlich ungewöhnlich ähnlich vornämlich nehmlich

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'ch' as a 'k'.
Forgetting the 's' in the middle.
Pronouncing the 'd' as a 'th'.
Stress on the wrong syllable.
Shortening the long 'e' in 'Leben'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Long compound word but easy to break down if you know 'Leben' and 'bedrohlich'.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and correct spelling of a long word.

Expressão oral 4/5

The 'ch' sound and the length make it tricky for beginners.

Audição 3/5

Clear pronunciation in news and medical contexts makes it recognizable.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

das Leben bedrohen gefährlich die Gefahr der Zustand

Aprenda a seguir

die Lebensgefahr tödlich retten die Notaufnahme der Überlebende

Avançado

die Existenzbedrohung letal die Mortalitätsrate vital die Resilienz

Gramática essencial

Adjective Declension

ein lebensbedrohlicher (masc), eine lebensbedrohliche (fem), ein lebensbedrohliches (neut)

Compound Words

Leben + s + bedrohlich (Linking 's' is common in German compounds)

Predicative vs. Attributive

Der Zustand ist lebensbedrohlich (no ending) vs. Der lebensbedrohliche Zustand (ending)

Negation with 'nicht'

Die Situation ist nicht lebensbedrohlich.

Adverbial usage

Er wurde lebensbedrohlich verletzt.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

Das ist lebensbedrohlich.

That is life-threatening.

Simple predicative use.

Achtung! Lebensbedrohlich!

Warning! Life-threatening!

Used as a warning.

Ist es lebensbedrohlich?

Is it life-threatening?

Simple question.

Es ist nicht lebensbedrohlich.

It is not life-threatening.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Das Feuer ist lebensbedrohlich.

The fire is life-threatening.

Subject + Verb + Adjective.

Die Situation ist lebensbedrohlich.

The situation is life-threatening.

Noun 'Situation' is feminine.

Hilfe, das ist lebensbedrohlich!

Help, that is life-threatening!

Exclamatory use.

Ist die Krankheit lebensbedrohlich?

Is the illness life-threatening?

Medical context.

Ein Herzinfarkt ist lebensbedrohlich.

A heart attack is life-threatening.

Medical noun + adjective.

Die Ärzte sagen, es ist lebensbedrohlich.

The doctors say it is life-threatening.

Indirect speech introduction.

Er hatte einen lebensbedrohlichen Unfall.

He had a life-threatening accident.

Attributive use, masculine accusative (-en).

Rauchen kann lebensbedrohlich sein.

Smoking can be life-threatening.

Modal verb 'kann'.

Das Gift ist für Menschen lebensbedrohlich.

The poison is life-threatening for humans.

Use of 'für' + accusative.

Es war eine lebensbedrohliche Lage.

It was a life-threatening situation.

Attributive use, feminine nominative (-e).

Ohne Wasser ist die Hitze lebensbedrohlich.

Without water, the heat is life-threatening.

Conditional context.

Die Wunde sieht lebensbedrohlich aus.

The wound looks life-threatening.

Verb 'aussehen'.

Der Patient befindet sich in einem lebensbedrohlichen Zustand.

The patient is in a life-threatening condition.

Dative masculine ending after 'in einem'.

Eine allergische Reaktion kann lebensbedrohlich verlaufen.

An allergic reaction can proceed in a life-threatening way.

Used as an adverbial adjective.

Glücklicherweise war die Verletzung nicht lebensbedrohlich.

Fortunately, the injury was not life-threatening.

Use of 'glücklicherweise'.

Wir müssen lebensbedrohliche Risiken vermeiden.

We must avoid life-threatening risks.

Plural accusative ending (-e).

Die Kälte in den Bergen ist oft lebensbedrohlich.

The cold in the mountains is often life-threatening.

Adverb 'oft' modifying the sentence.

In dieser Zone besteht lebensbedrohliche Gefahr.

In this zone, there is life-threatening danger.

Verb 'bestehen'.

Das Medikament hat lebensbedrohliche Nebenwirkungen.

The medication has life-threatening side effects.

Plural noun 'Nebenwirkungen'.

Man sollte lebensbedrohliche Situationen ernst nehmen.

One should take life-threatening situations seriously.

Modal verb 'sollte'.

Trotz der lebensbedrohlichen Lage blieb er ruhig.

Despite the life-threatening situation, he remained calm.

Genitive feminine ending after 'trotz'.

Die Diagnose lautete: akut lebensbedrohlich.

The diagnosis was: acutely life-threatening.

Medical terminology.

Ein Mangel an Sauerstoff ist für das Gehirn lebensbedrohlich.

A lack of oxygen is life-threatening for the brain.

Complex subject.

Die Polizei warnt vor lebensbedrohlichen Strömungen im Fluss.

The police warn of life-threatening currents in the river.

Dative plural ending (-en) after 'vor'.

Es war ein lebensbedrohlicher Eingriff in die Natur.

It was a life-threatening intervention into nature.

Metaphorical/Environmental use.

Ohne schnelle Hilfe wäre die Blutung lebensbedrohlich gewesen.

Without quick help, the bleeding would have been life-threatening.

Konjunktiv II (conditional).

Sie leidet an einer potenziell lebensbedrohlichen Krankheit.

She suffers from a potentially life-threatening illness.

Adverbial modifier 'potenziell'.

Die Krise entwickelte sich zu einer lebensbedrohlichen Bedrohung für die Firma.

The crisis developed into a life-threatening threat to the company.

Business context.

Die zunehmende Umweltverschmutzung nimmt lebensbedrohliche Ausmaße an.

Increasing environmental pollution is taking on life-threatening proportions.

Idiomatic phrase 'Ausmaße annehmen'.

Es ist ethisch fragwürdig, Patienten über lebensbedrohliche Risiken nicht aufzuklären.

It is ethically questionable not to inform patients about life-threatening risks.

Infinitive clause.

Die Unterversorgung mit Medikamenten ist in dieser Region lebensbedrohlich.

The undersupply of medication is life-threatening in this region.

Social/Political context.

Er schwebte nach dem Sturz stundenlang in lebensbedrohlicher Gefahr.

He was in life-threatening danger for hours after the fall.

Fixed expression 'in Gefahr schweben'.

Ein lebensbedrohliches Virus verbreitete sich rasend schnell.

A life-threatening virus spread incredibly fast.

Neuter nominative ending (-es).

Die politische Instabilität könnte für die Minderheit lebensbedrohlich werden.

Political instability could become life-threatening for the minority.

Abstract usage.

Solche extremen Wetterereignisse sind lebensbedrohlich für die lokale Fauna.

Such extreme weather events are life-threatening for the local fauna.

Scientific context.

Die Rettungskräfte arbeiteten unter lebensbedrohlichen Bedingungen.

The rescue forces worked under life-threatening conditions.

Dative plural ending.

Die philosophische Abhandlung thematisiert den Umgang mit lebensbedrohlichen Krisen.

The philosophical treatise discusses the handling of life-threatening crises.

Academic register.

In der modernen Kriegsführung sind Cyberangriffe auf die Infrastruktur potenziell lebensbedrohlich.

In modern warfare, cyberattacks on infrastructure are potentially life-threatening.

Technical/Strategic context.

Die Fragilität des Ökosystems hat einen lebensbedrohlichen Schwellenwert erreicht.

The fragility of the ecosystem has reached a life-threatening threshold.

Complex noun phrase.

Es gilt abzuwägen, ob der Eingriff lebensbedrohlicher ist als die Krankheit selbst.

It is necessary to weigh whether the intervention is more life-threatening than the illness itself.

Comparative use.

Die Hyperinflation nahm für die ärmste Bevölkerungsschicht lebensbedrohliche Formen an.

Hyperinflation took on life-threatening forms for the poorest segment of the population.

Economic context.

Das Schweigen der Behörden in dieser lebensbedrohlichen Angelegenheit ist skandalös.

The silence of the authorities in this life-threatening matter is scandalous.

Formal/Legalistic tone.

Jede Verzögerung bei der Hilfeleistung kann lebensbedrohliche Konsequenzen nach sich ziehen.

Any delay in providing assistance can entail life-threatening consequences.

Verb 'nach sich ziehen'.

Die existenzielle Angst vor einer lebensbedrohlichen Infektion prägte das Jahrzehnt.

The existential fear of a life-threatening infection shaped the decade.

Sociological observation.

Sinônimos

lebensgefährlich tödlich letal kritisch ernsthaft gefahrvoll prekär existenzbedrohend

Antônimos

ungefährlich harmlos lebensrettend sicher

Colocações comuns

lebensbedrohlicher Zustand

lebensbedrohliche Verletzung

lebensbedrohliche Situation

akut lebensbedrohlich

lebensbedrohliche Krankheit

lebensbedrohliche Gefahr

potenziell lebensbedrohlich

lebensbedrohliche Krise

nicht lebensbedrohlich

lebensbedrohliche Ausmaße

Frases Comuns

In lebensbedrohlicher Gefahr schweben

— To be in immediate danger of dying. Often used in news reports.

Das Kind schwebt nach dem Unfall in lebensbedrohlicher Gefahr.

Als lebensbedrohlich eingestuft werden

— To be classified or diagnosed as life-threatening by experts.

Seine Atemnot wurde als lebensbedrohlich eingestuft.

Eine lebensbedrohliche Wende nehmen

— When a situation suddenly becomes fatal or very dangerous.

Die Krankheit nahm eine lebensbedrohliche Wende.

Lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen

— Medical issues that arise during treatment that could kill the patient.

Nach der Operation traten lebensbedrohliche Komplikationen auf.

Lebensbedrohliche Mangelerscheinungen

— Deficiencies (like lack of food/water) that are fatal.

Die Schiffbrüchigen hatten lebensbedrohliche Mangelerscheinungen.

Lebensbedrohliche Hitze

— Extreme temperatures that can lead to death.

Die lebensbedrohliche Hitze forderte viele Opfer.

Lebensbedrohliche Keime

— Bacteria or viruses in hospitals that can be fatal.

Im Krankenhaus wurden lebensbedrohliche Keime gefunden.

Lebensbedrohliche Überdosis

— Taking too much of a drug, resulting in a risk of death.

Er wurde wegen einer lebensbedrohlichen Überdosis behandelt.

Lebensbedrohliche Zustände herrschen

— Describing a place where conditions are fatal.

Im Gefängnis herrschten lebensbedrohliche Zustände.

Lebensbedrohliche Unterkühlung

— Severe hypothermia that poses a risk of death.

Der Bergsteiger litt an einer lebensbedrohlichen Unterkühlung.

Frequentemente confundido com

lebensbedrohlich vs lebensgefährlich

Almost identical, but 'lebensgefährlich' is more common for external warnings, 'lebensbedrohlich' for internal medical states.

lebensbedrohlich vs tödlich

'Tödlich' means death is certain or has happened; 'lebensbedrohlich' means death is a high risk but might be avoided.

lebensbedrohlich vs bedrohlich

'Bedrohlich' just means 'threatening' (like a dark cloud); it doesn't necessarily mean your life is at risk.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Um Haaresbreite am Tod vorbei"

— To narrowly escape a life-threatening situation. Literally 'by a hair's breadth'.

Er ist um Haaresbreite am Tod vorbeigekommen.

Informal

"Dem Tod von der Schippe springen"

— To barely survive a life-threatening event. Literally 'to jump off Death's shovel'.

Nach dem Unfall ist er dem Tod noch einmal von der Schippe gesprungen.

Informal

"Auf Messers Schneide stehen"

— To be in a very precarious, life-threatening situation where the outcome is uncertain.

Sein Leben stand nach der Operation auf Messers Schneide.

Neutral

"Mit dem Leben spielen"

— To act recklessly in a way that is life-threatening.

Wer ohne Gurt fährt, spielt mit seinem Leben.

Neutral

"In der Klemme stecken"

— To be in a tight spot, which can sometimes be life-threatening.

In der Lawine steckte er lebensbedrohlich in der Klemme.

Informal

"Den Tod vor Augen haben"

— To face an immediate life-threatening danger.

In dem sinkenden Boot hatten sie den Tod vor Augen.

Literary

"Um sein Leben bangen"

— To fear for one's life during a life-threatening event.

Die Geiseln mussten um ihr Leben bangen.

Formal

"Ein Spiel mit dem Feuer"

— A metaphorical life-threatening risk.

Diese Expedition ohne Führer ist ein Spiel mit dem Feuer.

Neutral

"Alles auf eine Karte setzen"

— To risk everything, sometimes in a life-threatening way.

Er setzte alles auf eine Karte, um die Verletzten zu retten.

Neutral

"An der Schwelle des Todes"

— To be at the threshold of death (acutely life-threatening).

Er stand bereits an der Schwelle des Todes.

Literary

Fácil de confundir

lebensbedrohlich vs gefährlich

Both imply danger.

Gefährlich is general (a sharp knife); lebensbedrohlich is specific to death risk.

Ein Messer ist gefährlich, aber eine tiefe Wunde im Hals ist lebensbedrohlich.

lebensbedrohlich vs ernsthaft

Both describe serious things.

Ernsthaft means serious/grave; lebensbedrohlich means potentially fatal.

Eine Grippe ist ernsthaft, aber eine Lungenentzündung kann lebensbedrohlich sein.

lebensbedrohlich vs kritisch

Both used in hospitals.

Kritisch refers to the stability of the patient; lebensbedrohlich refers to the risk of death.

Sein Zustand ist kritisch, aber nicht mehr lebensbedrohlich.

lebensbedrohlich vs fatal

Both relate to death.

Fatal usually means 'resulting in death' (past/certain); lebensbedrohlich is the risk (present).

Der Fehler war fatal, die Situation war von Anfang an lebensbedrohlich.

lebensbedrohlich vs existenzbedrohend

Both mean 'threatening life/existence'.

Existenzbedrohend is usually used for finances or businesses; lebensbedrohlich for biological life.

Die Insolvenz ist existenzbedrohend für die Firma.

Padrões de frases

Das ist [Adjective].

Das ist lebensbedrohlich.

[Noun] kann [Adjective] sein.

Feuer kann lebensbedrohlich sein.

Ein(e) [Adjective] [Noun] ist [Context].

Eine lebensbedrohliche Krankheit ist schwer zu heilen.

Wegen der [Adjective] [Noun]...

Wegen der lebensbedrohlichen Lage riefen sie die Polizei.

Es handelt sich um eine [Adjective] [Noun].

Es handelt sich um eine lebensbedrohliche Blutung.

Die [Noun] nimmt [Adjective] Ausmaße an.

Die Krise nimmt lebensbedrohliche Ausmaße an.

Er wurde [Adjective] verletzt.

Er wurde lebensbedrohlich verletzt.

Trotz [Adjective] [Noun]...

Trotz lebensbedrohlicher Umstände überlebte er.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

das Leben

die Bedrohung

die Lebensgefahr

der Lebensabend

Verbos

leben

bedrohen

überleben

beleben

Adjetivos

lebendig

bedrohlich

lebensgefährlich

lebenslang

Relacionado

die Gefahr

tödlich

der Notfall

die Rettung

das Risiko

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Common in specific domains (Medicine, News, Safety).

Erros comuns

lebensbedrohlich Verletzung → lebensbedrohliche Verletzung
Missing the feminine adjective ending '-e'.
Er ist lebensbedrohlich krank. → Er ist lebensbedrohlich erkrankt.
While 'krank' is okay, 'erkrankt' is more formal and fits the register of 'lebensbedrohlich'.
Das ist lebensbedrohlich gefährlich. → Das ist lebensbedrohlich.
Redundant. 'Lebensbedrohlich' already includes the concept of being dangerous.
lebensbedrohliche Unfall → lebensbedrohlicher Unfall
Used the feminine ending for a masculine noun.
Ich habe eine lebensbedrohliche Hunger. → Ich habe einen bärenstarken Hunger.
Using 'lebensbedrohlich' for hunger is usually too dramatic and incorrect unless you are actually starving to death.

Dicas

Check the ending

Always look at the noun's gender and case before adding 'lebensbedrohlich'. For example: 'in lebensbedrohlicher (dative fem) Gefahr'.

Break it down

If you forget the word, remember 'Leben' + 'bedrohlich'. It's easier to memorize as two parts.

Don't over-dramatize

Only use it for truly life-threatening things. Using it for a broken toe sounds silly.

Medical focus

Use this word when talking to doctors or reading health reports for maximum precision.

News writing

If you write a story about an accident, use this word to make it sound like a real German news report.

The 's' sound

The 's' in 'Lebens' is short. Don't stretch it out like a 'z'.

Vs. Tödlich

Remember: lebensbedrohlich = might die; tödlich = will die or did die.

Warning signs

If you see any word ending in '-bedrohlich' or '-gefährlich', pay attention immediately!

Use 'lebensgefährlich' too

Vary your language by switching between 'lebensbedrohlich' and 'lebensgefährlich' in long texts.

The 'Bed' trick

Recall that 'bedrohlich' has 'bed' in it—where you might end up if the situation is life-threatening.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Leben' (Life) + 'Bed' (a hospital bed) + 'Roh' (raw/rough danger) + 'Lich' (like). You are in a hospital bed because of a rough danger to your life.

Associação visual

Imagine a heart monitor with a flat line or a warning sign with a skull and crossbones near a dangerous cliff.

Word Web

Leben Tod Gefahr Krankenhaus Arzt Notfall Unfall Hilfe

Desafio

Try to write three sentences about a fictional emergency using 'lebensbedrohlich' in different cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative).

Origem da palavra

A compound of 'Leben' (life) and 'bedrohlich' (threatening). 'Leben' comes from Old High German 'lebēn'. 'Bedrohlich' comes from 'bedrohen', from 'drohen' (Old High German 'drōen').

Significado original: To threaten the existence of a living being.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

This is a heavy word. Use it with empathy and only when appropriate to avoid causing unnecessary panic.

In English, we often use 'life-threatening' or 'critical'. 'Lebensbedrohlich' is the direct equivalent of 'life-threatening'.

Used in countless German medical TV shows like 'In aller Freundschaft'. Common in headlines of 'Der Spiegel' or 'Die Zeit'. Found in German criminal code (Strafgesetzbuch).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Hospital/Medicine

Der Patient ist stabil.
Lebensbedrohliche Blutung.
Sofortige Operation nötig.
Zustand verschlechtert sich.

News/Journalism

Schwere Verletzungen.
Polizei ermittelt.
Ursache ungeklärt.
In Lebensgefahr schweben.

Safety Warnings

Betreten verboten.
Hochspannung.
Lebensgefahr!
Vorsicht geboten.

Environment

Klimawandel.
Artensterben.
Ökosystem bedroht.
Existenzielle Krise.

Politics

Demokratie in Gefahr.
Wirtschaftskrise.
Sicherheitsrisiko.
Maßnahmen ergreifen.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Warst du schon mal in einer lebensbedrohlichen Situation?"

"Welche Krankheiten hältst du für am meisten lebensbedrohlich?"

"Glaubst du, der Klimawandel ist lebensbedrohlich für uns?"

"Was sollte man tun, wenn man jemanden in einem lebensbedrohlichen Zustand findet?"

"Sind Extremsportarten deiner Meinung nach lebensbedrohlich?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine Situation, die gefährlich oder lebensbedrohlich war. Wie hast du dich gefühlt?

Warum ist es wichtig, den Unterschied zwischen 'gefährlich' und 'lebensbedrohlich' zu kennen?

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Arzt. Schreibe einen kurzen Bericht über einen lebensbedrohlichen Notfall.

Diskutiere, ob riskante Hobbys verboten werden sollten, wenn sie lebensbedrohlich sind.

Wie hat sich die Wahrnehmung von lebensbedrohlichen Risiken in der Geschichte verändert?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is quite formal. In daily life, people might say 'total gefährlich' or 'lebensgefährlich' unless they are being very serious or technical.

Yes, you can say 'eine lebensbedrohliche Verletzung für das Tier'. It applies to any living being.

They are 95% interchangeable. 'Lebensgefährlich' is more common on signs (Vorsicht Lebensgefahr!), while 'lebensbedrohlich' is more common in medical contexts.

It stays 'lebensbedrohliches' (e.g., ein lebensbedrohliches Virus).

Usually only if the object's 'life' (existence) is at risk, like an ecosystem or a company, but this is metaphorical.

The concept is usually expressed as 'Lebensgefahr' (danger to life) or 'Bedrohung des Lebens'.

Yes, since it involves a threat to life, it is always used in a negative or serious context.

The most direct opposite is 'ungefährlich' or 'harmlos'.

Yes, to describe how someone is injured: 'Er ist lebensbedrohlich verletzt'.

Yes, it is considered B1 because it is a common compound word found in news and medical contexts that intermediate learners should know.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas