care / preservation
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care / preservation
The care and protection of something, especially wild animals and their habitat in a hunting context, or of plants and forests. Often used in the fixed expression 'Hege und Pflege' (care and tending).
Die Hege des Wildbestandes ist eine wichtige Aufgabe des Jägers.
The care of the game population is an important task for the hunter.
'Die Hege' (care/preservation) is the noun related to the verb 'hegen' (to tend, cherish, protect). 'Hegen' means to care for something carefully, protect it, and promote its growth or flourishing. Knowing the word origin can make the meaning easier to remember.
Der Förster hegt den jungen Wald mit großer Sorgfalt.
The forester tends the young forest with great care.
The word 'Hege' (care/preservation) is very often used in the fixed expression 'Hege und Pflege' (care and tending). This combination emphasizes comprehensive and loving care for plants, animals, or even abstract things.
Der Garten erfordert viel Hege und Pflege.
The garden requires a lot of care and tending.
'Hege' (care/preservation) is a word used in elevated written language and technical language. You will find it especially in texts about hunting ('Hege des Wildes' — care of game animals) and forestry ('Hege des Waldes' — care of the forest).
Zur Hege gehört auch die Kontrolle der Tierpopulation.
Care also includes controlling the animal population.
protection
'der Schutz' and 'die Hege' can both have to do with preserving nature, animals, or plants. 'Schutz' is the more general word: something is meant to be protected from harm, danger, or destruction, including through laws. 'Hege' is more specific and means not only protection, but also care, especially with wild animals, forests, or plants. The word sounds more technical or traditional and often appears in 'Hege und Pflege' (care and tending). Learners may confuse the words because Hege includes protection. But 'Hege' only fits in certain nature and care contexts.
Die Hege der jungen Rehe gehört zu den Aufgaben des Försters.
Caring for the young deer is one of the forester's duties.
Der alte Wald steht unter Schutz und darf nicht abgeholzt werden.
The old forest is protected and may not be cut down.