sorgen für
to take care of
To look after someone or something; to take responsibility for someone's well-being or care.
EXAMPLE
Die Eltern sorgen für ihre Kinder.
The parents take care of their children.
sorgen
to take care / worry
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Meanings
sich sorgen um
to worry about
To be worried or think anxiously about someone or something; to feel fear or unease.
EXAMPLE
Ich sorge mich um deine Gesundheit, weil du so viel arbeitest.
I worry about your health because you work so much.
sorgen für
to cause
To cause or bring about something; to be the reason for a particular result.
EXAMPLE
Der überraschende Schneefall sorgte für ein Verkehrschaos.
The unexpected snowfall caused traffic chaos.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'sorgen' (to take care / worry) is the basis for the noun 'die Sorge' (worry/care). Depending on the context, 'die Sorge' can mean either 'Kümmern' (taking care, as in 'die Sorge für die Kinder' — care for the children) or 'Angst/Unruhe' (fear/unease, as in 'sich Sorgen machen' — to worry), just like the verb.
EXAMPLE
Seine größte Sorge ist, die Prüfung nicht zu bestehen.
His biggest worry is not passing the exam.
Prepositions are crucial
The meaning of 'sorgen' (to take care / worry) changes completely depending on the combination with prepositions and the reflexive pronoun. Always pay close attention to whether 'für' (for) or 'um' (about/for) is used and whether 'sich' (oneself) appears with it.
EXAMPLE
Er sorgt für seine kranke Mutter.
He takes care of his sick mother.
Sentence structure: Sorgen für
The construction 'sorgen für' + accusative means that you take care of someone or something and assume responsibility. It has a positive, active meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Gastgeber sorgt für das Wohl seiner Gäste.
A good host takes care of the well-being of his guests.
Sentence structure: Sich sorgen um
The reflexive construction 'sich sorgen um' + accusative always means that you are worried or concerned. It describes a feeling of unease or fear.
EXAMPLE
Die Großmutter sorgt sich um ihren Enkel, wenn er spät nach Hause kommt.
The grandmother worries about her grandson when he comes home late.
Context clue
The phrase 'sorgen für' can also mean 'to cause'. You can tell whether it means taking care or causing something from the object. 'Für die Kinder sorgen' means taking care, while 'für Probleme sorgen' means causing problems.
EXAMPLE
Der laute Streit sorgte für Unruhe in der Nachbarschaft.
The loud argument caused unrest in the neighborhood.
Compare with
kümmernverursachenbesorgenauslösenversorgenfürchtenpflegenbetreuengewährleistenbewirkenernährenvorsorgen
sorgen vs kümmern
to care / concern / languish
Sorgen für and sich kümmern um can both express taking responsibility for someone. Sorgen für places more emphasis on ensuring someone’s well-being or care, while sich kümmern um focuses more on personal attention and the necessary actions. Both forms are possible in many situations.
sorgen
Die Tochter sorgt für ihre kranke Mutter und organisiert ihre Versorgung.
The daughter takes care of her sick mother and arranges for her care.
kümmern
Die Tochter kümmert sich um ihre kranke Mutter und bringt ihr täglich das Essen.
The daughter looks after her sick mother and brings her food every day.
In real life
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