01
die Deckung
cover
A place or position that offers protection from attacks, gunfire, or being seen.
example
Als die Schüsse fielen, rannten alle sofort in Deckung.
When the shots were fired, everyone immediately ran for cover.
die Deckung
cover / coverage
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Deckung' is derived from the verb 'decken', which means 'to cover' or 'to protect'. This connection helps you understand the basic idea of protecting or covering in many meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Versicherung deckt die Kosten für die Reparatur.
The insurance covers the cost of the repair.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Deckung' from the context. In connection with danger or attacks, it refers to protection. In finance, banking, or insurance, it means financial security or coverage. In a sports context, it refers to defense.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist rief: „Alle in Deckung!“
The police officer shouted, 'Everyone take cover!'
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Schutz' (protection), 'Deckung' is often used in fixed phrases with prepositions. Typical phrases are 'in Deckung gehen' (to take cover) and 'aus der Deckung kommen' (to come out of cover).
EXAMPLE
Als der Sturm begann, gingen die Wanderer schnell in Deckung.
When the storm began, the hikers quickly took cover.
Typical collocations
In a financial context, 'Deckung' often appears with words like 'Konto' (account), 'Scheck' (check), or 'Versicherung' (insurance). Common formulations are 'fehlende Deckung' (insufficient funds/coverage) or 'die Deckung der Kosten' (coverage of the costs).
EXAMPLE
Der Scheck konnte wegen fehlender Deckung nicht eingelöst werden.
The check could not be cashed because of insufficient funds.
Fixed expression
The expression 'etwas zur Deckung bringen' means that things are brought into agreement. The things that are meant to agree often appear in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Mediator versucht, die Forderungen beider Seiten zur Deckung zu bringen.
The mediator is trying to reconcile the demands of both sides.
Compare with
Deckung vs Schutz
protection
'der Schutz' and 'die Deckung' can both provide safety from something. 'Schutz' is the general word and fits many situations, for example health, weather, data, or danger. 'Deckung' is more specific: it often means a place behind which you are protected from attacks, gunfire, or being seen. In sports, 'Deckung' also means defense against opponents, and with money or insurance it can refer to coverage or financial security. Learners may confuse the words because 'Deckung' is sometimes a kind of protection. But for general protection, 'Schutz' is more natural; 'Deckung' only fits in certain situations.
Deckung
Bei dem Sturm suchten die Wanderer Deckung hinter einer Mauer.
During the storm, the hikers sought cover behind a wall.
Schutz
Sonnencreme bietet guten Schutz vor starker Sonne.
Sunscreen offers good protection from strong sun.
In real life
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