01
die Pflege
care
The care and support of people who need help, such as the sick, elderly people, or children.
example
Die Pflege seiner kranken Mutter nimmt viel Zeit in Anspruch.
Caring for his sick mother takes up a lot of time.
die Pflege
care
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Pflege' (care) is derived directly from the verb 'pflegen' (to care for / to maintain). If you know the verb, you can easily infer the meaning of the noun: 'pflegen' means to look after someone or something, and 'die Pflege' is the action itself.
EXAMPLE
Er pflegt seine Eltern zu Hause.
He cares for his parents at home.
Productive compounds
'Pflege' (care) is a very productive word and forms many new nouns. The first part of the word describes what is being cared for, e.g. 'Altenpflege' (care of elderly people) or 'Gartenpflege' (garden maintenance).
EXAMPLE
Sie arbeitet in der Krankenpflege.
She works in nursing care.
Typical collocations
When it comes to caring for people, 'Pflege' (care) is often combined with certain verbs and adjectives. Common phrases are 'Pflege brauchen' (to need care), 'auf Pflege angewiesen sein' (to be dependent on care), or 'häusliche Pflege' (home care).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war er mehrere Wochen auf Pflege angewiesen.
After the accident, he was dependent on care for several weeks.
Context clue
When 'Pflege' (care) is used in connection with objects, places, or abstract things like data, it means 'Instandhaltung' (upkeep) or 'Wartung' (maintenance). Pay attention to the combination with 'von' (of), for example 'die Pflege von Denkmälern' (the upkeep of monuments).
EXAMPLE
Die Pflege des Parks kostet die Stadt jedes Jahr viel Geld.
The maintenance of the park costs the city a lot of money every year.
Compare with
Pflege vs Behandlung
treatment
'die Behandlung' and 'die Pflege' can both have to do with health and helping people. A 'Behandlung' usually has a medical goal: an illness is meant to be cured or a symptom relieved. 'Pflege' is more about regular care, support, or personal care, especially when someone needs help. The words can be confused because sick people often receive both. A doctor is more likely to provide 'eine Behandlung' (treatment), while a caregiver or nurse is more likely to help with 'die Pflege' (care).
Pflege
Zu Hause braucht der alte Mann jeden Morgen Hilfe bei der Pflege.
At home, the old man needs help with personal care every morning.
Behandlung
Nach der Untersuchung beginnt die Ärztin sofort mit der Behandlung.
After the examination, the doctor begins the treatment immediately.
In real life
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