motherhood / maternity leave
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motherhood
The state of being a mother, with all its biological, social, and emotional aspects.
Die Mutterschaft ist für viele Frauen eine tiefgreifende und lebensverändernde Erfahrung.
For many women, motherhood is a profound and life-changing experience.
maternity leave
The legally defined period before and after the birth of a child during which a mother receives special protection and certain benefits (maternity protection).
Sie befindet sich derzeit in Mutterschaft und wird erst in einem Jahr an ihren Arbeitsplatz zurückkehren.
She is currently on maternity leave and will not return to her workplace until next year.
The word is made up of 'Mutter' (mother) and the ending '-schaft' (-ship/-hood). The ending '-schaft' forms abstract nouns and describes a state or a community; here, the state of being a mother.
Die Freundschaft zwischen den beiden ist sehr eng.
The friendship between the two of them is very close.
'Mutterschaft' (motherhood/maternity leave) belongs to a word family around 'die Mutter' (the mother). This also includes 'der Mutterschutz' (legal protection for mothers/maternity protection), 'das Mutterschaftsgeld' (maternity benefit), and the adjective 'mütterlich' (motherly/maternal).
Während des Mutterschutzes darf sie nicht arbeiten.
During maternity protection, she is not allowed to work.
You can often recognize the legal meaning (maternity protection) from phrases that refer to work and legal regulations. Typical expressions are 'in Mutterschaft gehen' (to go on maternity leave) or 'während der Mutterschaft' (during maternity leave).
Meine Kollegin geht nächste Woche in Mutterschaft.
My colleague is going on maternity leave next week.
