samenleven

Samenleven is a Dutch term, a verb meaning to live together or to coexist. It refers to the way people with different backgrounds, beliefs, or lifestyles share a space and interact in daily life, beyond mere physical proximity. The noun form het samenleven is also used to describe the state or process of living together in a community.

The word combines samen- (together) and leven (to live). It is distinct from samenwonen, which specifically means cohabiting in the same dwelling; samenleven covers interaction and social integration within a shared environment, which may or may not involve living under the same roof.

In policy, civic discourse, and urban planning, samenleven denotes social cohesion, mutual respect, and inclusive participation. It encompasses norms, rights and responsibilities, and the management of differences in religion, culture, language, and lifestyle to ensure peaceful coexistence. Schools, municipalities, and civil society organizations often frame their work around het bevorderen van het samenleven.

Common contexts include samenleven in de wijk (living together in the neighborhood) and samenleven met diversiteit (living together with diversity). The term is widely used in Dutch-speaking regions to describe the aspiration for an inclusive, tolerant society where all residents can participate in public life.