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die Sicherheit
safety
The state in which one is protected from dangers or risks.
example
Die Sicherheit der Fahrgäste hat für uns oberste Priorität.
The safety of the passengers is our top priority.
die Sicherheit
safety / certainty / security
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Sicherheit' (safety/certainty/security) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'sicher' (safe/sure). The ending '-heit' is often used to turn an adjective into an abstract noun that describes a state or quality.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin nicht sicher, ob das die richtige Entscheidung ist.
I'm not sure whether that is the right decision.
Typical collocations
In the context of protection from danger, 'Sicherheit' (safety) is often used with certain verbs. Typical expressions are 'jemanden in Sicherheit bringen' (to get someone to safety), 'für Sicherheit sorgen' (to ensure safety), or 'die Sicherheit gewährleisten' (to guarantee safety).
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr brachte die Bewohner des Hauses in Sicherheit.
The fire department got the residents of the house to safety.
Typical collocations
When it is about certainty, 'Sicherheit' (certainty) often appears in phrases such as 'mit Sicherheit sagen' (to say with certainty), 'absolute Sicherheit haben' (to have absolute certainty), or 'keine Sicherheit geben' (to give no certainty/guarantee).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann dir leider keine hundertprozentige Sicherheit geben, dass der Plan funktioniert.
Unfortunately, I can't give you one hundred percent certainty that the plan will work.
Context clue
This meaning occurs almost only in a financial or legal context. Signal words are verbs such as 'hinterlegen' (to deposit) or 'leisten' (to provide), as well as nouns such as 'Kredit' (loan), 'Miete' (rent), or 'Kaution' (deposit).
EXAMPLE
Für den Kredit verlangt die Bank eine Sicherheit.
For the loan, the bank requires collateral.
Context clue
In this meaning, 'Sicherheit' (security) is used in the singular but refers to a group of people. You can recognize it when the word, as the subject, performs an action, e.g., 'die Sicherheit kontrolliert' (security checks) or 'die Sicherheit greift ein' (security intervenes).
EXAMPLE
Die Sicherheit hat den Mann aus dem Stadion entfernt.
Security removed the man from the stadium.
Sentence structure and use
The fixed expression 'mit Sicherheit' (certainly/with certainty) functions like an adverb expressing a high degree of certainty. It can stand at the beginning of a sentence (then the verb follows) or in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mit Sicherheit wird es morgen regnen.
It will certainly rain tomorrow.
Compare with
Sicherheit vs Gefahr
danger
'die Sicherheit' and 'die Gefahr' form a clear contrast. 'Sicherheit' means a state in which you are protected and there is no major risk. 'Gefahr' means a situation in which harm can happen. The words often fit into the same subject areas, for example traffic, work, health, or housing. When the danger is over, people talk about 'Sicherheit' again or say that someone is 'außer Gefahr' (out of danger).
Sicherheit
Nach dem Einbau der neuen Tür fühlt sich die Familie zu Hause in größerer Sicherheit.
After the new door was installed, the family feels safer at home.
Gefahr
Wegen des starken Sturms besteht auf der Brücke große Gefahr.
Because of the strong storm, there is great danger on the bridge.
In real life
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