auskommt

Auskommen is a German term that appears in two related but distinct forms: as a noun and as a verb. As a noun, Auskommen (capitalized in regular writing) means subsistence or the means of living, i.e., the money and resources needed to cover daily expenses. In everyday language it is often used in phrases like “sein Auskommen sichern” or “das Auskommen bestreiten,” and is closely related to terms such as Lebensunterhalt, Existenz und Einkommen.

The verb auskommen is intransitive and separable in its prefix. It derives from kommen with the prefix aus-, which in this sense conveys the idea of coming out or turning out to be enough. In present tense you commonly hear forms like er kommt mit dem Geld aus or sie kommt gut mit ihrem Einkommen aus. In perfect tense the form is usually ist ausgekommen, as in Wir sind gut miteinander ausgekommen. The verb is frequently used with prepositions such as mit (to get along with) or ohne (to do without), yielding phrases like auskommen mit wenig Geld or auskommen ohne Luxus.

Usage and meanings can be grouped into two main senses. First, to get along or manage, especially financially: to live within one’s means, to cope. Second, as a noun, to denote the overall means of living: the financial basis that makes daily life possible. The term is common in both everyday speech and more formal discussions of personal finances, social policy, and economic well-being.

See also: Lebensunterhalt, Existenz, Einkommen, Finanzielle Lage.