behutsam
careful / gentle
Acting in a very careful, gentle, and considerate way so as not to damage anything or hurt anyone.
EXAMPLE
Er legte das schlafende Baby behutsam in sein Bettchen.
He gently placed the sleeping baby in its little bed.
behutsam
careful / gentle
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the old German word 'Hut' in the sense of 'protection, care, guardianship'. So 'behutsam' (careful/gentle) literally means 'full of care' or 'protective'.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter wachte behutsam über den Schlaf ihres Kindes.
The mother carefully watched over her child's sleep.
Use as an adverb
Although it is an adjective, 'behutsam' (careful/gentle) is very often used as an adverb. It then describes the way in which an action is carried out.
EXAMPLE
Sie öffnete behutsam die alte, zerbrechliche Vase.
She carefully opened the old, fragile vase.
Typical collocations
'Behutsam' (careful/gentle) is often combined with verbs that describe a careful action. Typical phrases are: 'behutsam mit etwas umgehen' (to handle something carefully), 'etwas behutsam anfassen' (to touch something carefully), 'etwas behutsam ablegen' (to set something down carefully), or 'behutsam sprechen' (to speak gently).
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt erklärte dem Patienten behutsam die Diagnose.
The doctor gently explained the diagnosis to the patient.
Compare with
behutsam vs vorsichtig
careful / cautious
Vorsichtig and behutsam both describe an approach intended to prevent damage. Vorsichtig emphasizes attention to a danger or mistake in particular. Behutsam additionally highlights that the action is carried out gently and considerately.
behutsam
Die Pflegerin bewegt den verletzten Arm behutsam, damit der Patient möglichst wenig Schmerzen hat.
The nurse moves the injured arm gently so that the patient experiences as little pain as possible.
vorsichtig
Die Pflegerin bewegt den verletzten Arm vorsichtig, damit sich die Verletzung nicht verschlimmert.
The nurse moves the injured arm carefully so that the injury does not get worse.
In real life
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