pastoral care
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pastoral care
Personal spiritual support and counseling for people in difficult life situations, with questions of faith, or with personal problems, often provided by clergy or trained individuals.
Nach dem schweren Unfall bot der Krankenhauspfarrer den Angehörigen Seelsorge an.
After the serious accident, the hospital chaplain offered pastoral care to the relatives.
The word is made up of 'Seele' (soul) and 'Sorge' (care/concern). So it literally means 'care for the soul' and describes support for emotional and spiritual well-being.
Im Gefängnis gibt es einen speziellen Dienst für die Seelsorge der Inhaftierten.
In prison, there is a special service for the pastoral care of inmates.
'Seelsorge' (pastoral care) is often used with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'Seelsorge anbieten' (to offer pastoral care), 'Seelsorge leisten' (to provide pastoral care), or 'Seelsorge in Anspruch nehmen' (to make use of pastoral care).
Viele Menschen nehmen nach einem Schicksalsschlag Seelsorge in Anspruch.
Many people make use of pastoral care after a stroke of fate.
The term is used mainly in institutional or religious contexts. It is often found in connection with hospitals, the military, prisons, or churches.
Für Soldaten im Auslandseinsatz gibt es eine militärische Seelsorge.
For soldiers deployed abroad, there is military pastoral care.
consultation / deliberation
'die Beratung' and 'die Seelsorge' can both mean that someone gets help through a conversation in a difficult situation. 'Beratung' is more general and often expert-based: you get advice about money, work, health, or a decision. 'Seelsorge' is more personal and often also spiritual or religious in character. It is especially suitable for worries, grief, questions of faith, or difficult life situations. The words can be confused because pastoral care also involves counseling. But not every 'Beratung' is 'Seelsorge'.
Nach dem Tod ihres Mannes suchte Maria Unterstützung bei der Seelsorge.
After her husband's death, Maria sought support through pastoral care.
Bei der Bewerbung hat mir die Beratung im Arbeitsamt sehr geholfen.
The advice at the employment office helped me a lot with my application.