gefährdet
endangered
Being in a situation where danger or harm threatens; being exposed to a risk.
EXAMPLE
Durch den Klimawandel sind viele Tierarten stark gefährdet.
Because of climate change, many animal species are seriously endangered.
gefährdet
endangered / at risk
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Meanings
gefährdet
at risk
Describes people, especially young people, who are exposed to an increased risk of negative development because of their social environment or personal problems.
EXAMPLE
Die Sozialarbeiterin kümmert sich um sozial gefährdete Jugendliche.
The social worker takes care of socially at-risk teenagers.
Usage tips
Word family
'Gefährdet' (endangered/at risk) is the past participle of the verb 'gefährden' (to endanger). It is derived from the noun 'die Gefahr' (danger). The whole word family revolves around the topic of risk and danger.
EXAMPLE
Rauchen gefährdet die Gesundheit; Raucher sind daher stärker gefährdet.
Smoking endangers health; smokers are therefore more at risk.
Typical collocations
In this general meaning, 'gefährdet' (endangered) is often used in nature conservation and species protection. A typical fixed expression is 'vom Aussterben gefährdet' (threatened with extinction). It can also be used for abstract things such as jobs or peace.
EXAMPLE
Der Panda ist eine vom Aussterben gefährdete Tierart.
The panda is a species threatened with extinction.
Context clue
This meaning refers specifically to people in a difficult social environment. You can often recognize it from the combination with 'sozial' (socially) or when the topic is 'Jugendliche' (teenagers/young people) or 'Kinder' (children).
EXAMPLE
Der Verein bietet Hilfe für sozial gefährdete Familien an.
The association offers help for socially at-risk families.
Compare with
gefährdet vs unsicher
uncertain / insecure
Unsicher describes a job in general as not stable or secure. Gefährdet more specifically means that there is a recognizable threat to its continued existence. Unsicher is appropriate when long-term security is lacking; gefährdet is appropriate when a specific closure is imminent.
gefährdet
Wegen der angekündigten Schließung ist Marias Arbeitsplatz unmittelbar gefährdet.
Because the closure has been announced, Maria's job is immediately at risk.
unsicher
Wegen der kurzen Verträge ist Marias Arbeitsplatz langfristig unsicher.
Because of the short-term contracts, Maria's job is uncertain in the long term.
In real life
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