lebensnotwendiges

Lebensnotwendiges is a German noun phrase meaning life-sustaining essentials or that which is essential for life. It denotes things, conditions, or resources without which a living being cannot sustain life for a period. The term can also function as an adjective, lebensnotwendig, to describe something indispensable for survival. In everyday language and in policy discussions, das Lebensnotwendige can refer to basic needs such as food and water, shelter, clothing, protection from the elements, sleep, healthcare, and sanitation.

In biology and nutrition, the concept overlaps with essential nutrients and energy requirements. Scientific usage typically specifies categories such as essential nutrients that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient amounts. In humanitarian and social policy contexts, Lebensnotwendiges is used to denote goods and services required to keep a person alive and to preserve dignity, often with legal or normative standards. The term is commonly contrasted with luxuries or non-essential goods.

Etymology and related terms: From Leben and notwendig. Historically used in German to denote necessity of life; related forms include Lebensnotwendigkeit and lebensnotwendig. In German, terms such as Grundbedürfnisse or existenzsichernde Bedürfnisse cover a similar concept, though exact scope varies by context.