to ensure / to seize
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to ensure
To make sure or guarantee that something specific happens, is present, or remains in a desired state.
Bitte stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Fenster geschlossen sind, bevor Sie das Haus verlassen.
Please ensure that all windows are closed before you leave the house.
to seize
In official language, for example by the police, to take something into custody; to confiscate.
Die Polizei konnte bei der Razzia Drogen und Waffen sicherstellen.
During the raid, the police were able to seize drugs and weapons.
'Sicherstellen' (to ensure/to seize) is a separable verb. The prefix 'sicher' separates from the verb 'stellen' in a main clause and stands at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the word stays together.
Der Projektleiter stellt die Einhaltung des Budgets sicher.
The project manager ensures compliance with the budget.
In the meaning 'garantieren' (to guarantee), 'sicherstellen' is very often used with a subordinate clause introduced by 'dass'. The structure is: 'sicherstellen, dass ...' (to ensure that ...).
Wir müssen sicherstellen, dass die Software fehlerfrei funktioniert.
We have to ensure that the software works without errors.
The meaning 'beschlagnahmen' (to confiscate) is used almost exclusively in official language. You typically find it in police reports, news reports, or legal texts.
Bei der Kontrolle stellte der Zoll geschmuggelte Waren sicher.
During the inspection, customs seized smuggled goods.
The two meanings can be distinguished well from context. If it is about guaranteeing an outcome, the first meaning is intended. If it involves an official action by the police or customs in which something is taken into custody, the second meaning is intended.
Der Veranstalter muss die Sicherheit der Besucher sicherstellen.
The organizer must ensure the safety of the visitors.
to secure / save
Sichern and sicherstellen can both concern a reliable supply. Sich etwas sichern emphasizes obtaining something in advance or keeping it available for oneself. Sicherstellen focuses more strongly on the guaranteed result, namely that something is present or happens.
Durch tägliche Kontrollen stellt das Krankenhaus sicher, dass genügend Medikamente vorhanden sind.
Through daily checks, the hospital ensures that enough medication is available.
Durch langfristige Verträge sichert sich das Krankenhaus genügend Medikamente.
Through long-term contracts, the hospital secures enough medication for itself.
