Alleinstehen

Alleinstehen is a German verb that denotes standing alone in a literal, figurative, or social sense. It can describe physical position, independence, or being unsupported, depending on context. The term is formed from allein (alone) and stehen (to stand) and is usually used without implying romantic partnership.

Etymology and senses

The word combines the idea of solitude with the act of standing. In literal usage, it can describe a person or object that is physically solitary, for example a solitary object on a field. In figurative usage, it can refer to standing on one’s own in competition, in a debate, or in a market. The sense of independence is common in phrases such as standing independently or unaided. The verb is not primarily a term for marital status; for being single, weilwohl more common words are alleinstehend or ledig.

Usage notes

- Literal: Der Turm steht allein auf dem Feld.

- Figurativ: Das neu gegründete Unternehmen stand allein gegen die etablierten Konkurrenten.

- Personal/psychosozial: Jemand möchte finanziell und beruflich alleinstehen und eigene Entscheidungen treffen.

In everyday language, alleinstehen is more often used in the sense of autonomy or isolation rather than as a descriptor of relationship status; alleinstehend or ledig are typical for marital status.

Related terms

- Alleinsein (the state of being alone)

- Unabhängigkeit (independence)

- Eigenständigkeit (self-reliance)

See also

- Alleinsein

- Unabhängigkeit

Notes

Verbal forms include ich stehe allein, du stehst allein, er stand allein, er hat gestanden. The nuance varies with context, from physical solitude to self-sufficiency or isolation.