shelter
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shelter
Accommodation or a protective place to live, especially for people without a permanent residence. The word emphasizes the aspect of protection from weather and danger.
Nach dem Brand hat die Familie bei Freunden ein vorläufiges Obdach gefunden.
After the fire, the family found temporary shelter with friends.
The word is made up of 'ob' (an old form of 'über' (over)) and 'Dach' (roof). So it literally means 'a roof over one's head' and describes a protected place.
Viele Hilfsorganisationen bieten den Menschen ein warmes Obdach für die Nacht.
Many aid organizations offer people warm shelter for the night.
Common verbs with this noun are 'Obdach finden' (to find shelter), 'Obdach suchen' (to seek shelter), 'Obdach bieten' (to offer shelter), or 'Obdach gewähren' (to provide shelter). The related adjective is 'obdachlos' (homeless).
Er suchte nach dem Sturm Obdach in einer alten Hütte.
After the storm, he sought shelter in an old hut.
'Obdach' (shelter) is a rather formal and slightly elevated word. You often find it in official reports, in the news, or in literature, especially in the context of emergencies and people in need of help.
Die Gemeinde stellt Flüchtlingen ein erstes Obdach zur Verfügung.
The municipality provides refugees with initial shelter.
apartment
'die Wohnung' and 'das Obdach' both have to do with living and accommodation, but they do not mean the same thing. 'Wohnung' refers to a fixed, self-contained living unit with rooms. 'Obdach' mainly emphasizes protection and a safe place to spend the night, especially for people without a permanent residence. The words can be confused because both describe a place to live. When talking about a normal home, you say 'Wohnung'. When talking about protection from the weather or hardship, 'Obdach' is more precise.
Nach dem Brand fanden die Nachbarn schnell ein Obdach bei Freunden.
After the fire, the neighbors quickly found shelter with friends.
Die Wohnung ist nach dem Umzug noch voller Kartons.
After the move, the apartment is still full of boxes.