die Sorge
worry
A distressing feeling caused by believing that something bad might happen or a problem might arise.
EXAMPLE
Die Sorge um ihre kranke Mutter ließ sie nicht schlafen.
Worry about her sick mother kept her from sleeping.
die Sorge
worry / care
die Sorge, die Sorgen
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Meanings
sich Sorgen machen
to worry
To feel afraid or uneasy about a possible danger or problem.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir bitte keine Sorgen, ich komme pünktlich nach Hause.
Please don't worry, I'll be home on time.
die Sorge
care
Attention, care, or responsibility for someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die Sorge für die Kinder liegt in dieser Woche bei ihrem Vater.
The care of the children is their father's responsibility this week.
Sorge tragen für
to ensure
To make sure that something is maintained or done properly, or that someone receives everything they need.
EXAMPLE
Die Veranstalter müssen dafür Sorge tragen, dass alle Gäste sicher nach Hause kommen.
The organizers must ensure that all guests get home safely.
keine Sorge
don't worry
A reassuring expression telling someone not to worry or be afraid.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, ich habe den Schlüssel dabei.
Don't worry, I have the key with me.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Sorge, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sorgen |
| genitive | der Sorge |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Sorge | die Sorgen |
| accusative | die Sorge | die Sorgen |
| dative | der Sorge | den Sorgen |
| genitive | der Sorge | der Sorgen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Correct preposition
Use 'Sorge um' (worry about) + accusative to name the person or thing that the distressing feeling concerns. Common combinations are 'Sorge um die Familie' (worry about the family) and 'Sorge um die Zukunft' (worry about the future).
EXAMPLE
Seine Sorge um die Zukunft des Betriebs wird immer größer.
His worry about the company's future keeps growing.
Causing someone worry
In the expression 'jemandem Sorgen bereiten' (to cause someone worry), the person affected is in the dative case. The problem or cause of the worry is the subject.
EXAMPLE
Die steigenden Kosten bereiten uns große Sorgen.
The rising costs are causing us a great deal of worry.
Dative and accusative
In 'sich Sorgen machen' (to worry), the reflexive pronoun is in the dative case: 'mir', 'dir', 'sich', 'uns', or 'euch'. You can add 'um' (about) + accusative to specify who or what the worry concerns.
EXAMPLE
Ich mache mir Sorgen um meinen Bruder.
I'm worried about my brother.
Legal context
The expression 'elterliche Sorge' (parental responsibility) is an established term in legal texts. It covers parents' rights and duties toward their child and often appears together with 'gemeinsam ausüben' (to exercise jointly).
EXAMPLE
Auch nach der Trennung üben die Eltern die elterliche Sorge gemeinsam aus.
Even after separating, the parents continue to exercise parental responsibility jointly.
Fixed construction
The expression follows the pattern 'für etwas Sorge tragen' (to ensure something is taken care of), with 'für' followed by the accusative case. If a 'dass' (that) clause follows, use 'dafür Sorge tragen' (to ensure that); the verb in the subordinate clause goes at the end.
EXAMPLE
Die Hausverwaltung trägt für die regelmäßige Reinigung der Treppe Sorge.
The property management company ensures the regular cleaning of the stairs.
Die Hausverwaltung trägt dafür Sorge, dass die Treppe regelmäßig gereinigt wird.
The property management company ensures that the stairs are cleaned regularly.
Formal style
'Sorge tragen' (to ensure) belongs to formal language. The expression is especially common in regulations, contracts, and official notices.
EXAMPLE
Der Betreiber hat dafür Sorge zu tragen, dass die Fluchtwege frei bleiben.
The operator must ensure that escape routes remain clear.
Standalone expression
'Keine Sorge!' (Don't worry!) can stand alone as a reassuring reply. If an explanation follows, 'Keine Sorge' (don't worry) remains a separate introductory expression and does not change the word order of the following sentence.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge!
Don't worry!
Keine Sorge, wir haben noch genug Zeit.
Don't worry, we still have enough time.
In real life
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