care
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care / custody
Caring supervision, protection, and responsibility for a person, especially a child. Often used in the expression 'jemanden in seine Obhut nehmen' (to take someone into one's care).
Die Großeltern nahmen die Kinder nach dem Tod der Eltern in ihre Obhut.
After the parents' death, the grandparents took the children into their care.
The word 'Obhut' (care/custody) contains the stem of the verb 'hüten', which means 'beschützen' (to protect) or 'bewachen' (to guard). 'Obhut' therefore describes a state of intensive protection and care.
Die wertvollen Dokumente stehen unter der Obhut der Bank.
The valuable documents are under the care of the bank.
'Obhut' (care/custody) is almost always used in fixed expressions. The most common are 'jemanden in seine Obhut nehmen' (to take responsibility for someone / to take someone into one's care) and 'unter jemandes Obhut stehen' (to be under someone's care/protection).
Der Hundetrainer nahm den verängstigten Hund in seine Obhut.
The dog trainer took the frightened dog into his care.
The word 'Obhut' (care/custody) belongs to elevated language or official language. It is often used in formal or legal contexts to emphasize a major, official responsibility.
Dem Vater wurde die alleinige Obhut für das Kind zugesprochen.
The father was granted sole custody of the child.
protection
Schutz means that a person is kept safe from danger or harm. Obhut additionally includes caring supervision and personal responsibility, especially for a child. When safety is the focus, Schutz is appropriate; when entrusted care is meant, Obhut is appropriate.
Während der Reise der Eltern bleibt das Kind in der Obhut seiner Tante.
While the parents are away, the child remains in his aunt's care.
Während der Reise der Eltern steht das Kind unter dem Schutz seiner Tante.
While the parents are away, the child is under the protection of his aunt.
