sorgsam
careful
Done with great care and attention; cautious and thoughtful.
EXAMPLE
Sie ging sehr sorgsam mit den alten Büchern aus der Bibliothek um.
She handled the old books from the library very carefully.
sorgsam
careful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'sorgsam' (careful) is derived from the noun 'die Sorge' (worry, care). The ending '-sam' expresses that a person or action is characterized by this quality.
EXAMPLE
Mit sorgsamer Handbewegung setzte er die Figur auf das Brett.
With a careful hand movement, he placed the piece on the board.
Adjective and adverb
'Sorgsam' (careful, carefully) can describe a noun as an adjective or specify a verb more closely as an adverb. As an adverb, it answers the question 'Wie?' (How?).
EXAMPLE
Ein sorgsamer Umgang mit Ressourcen ist wichtig für die Umwelt.
Careful use of resources is important for the environment.
Typical collocations
'Sorgsam' (careful, carefully) is often combined with verbs that describe a deliberate action. Typical combinations are 'sorgsam umgehen mit' (to handle carefully), 'sorgsam auswählen' (to choose carefully), and 'sorgsam prüfen' (to check carefully).
EXAMPLE
Der Archivar muss sorgsam mit den alten Dokumenten umgehen.
The archivist has to handle the old documents carefully.
Compare with
sorgsam vs vorsichtig
careful / cautious
Vorsichtig and sorgsam both describe handling something attentively. Vorsichtig particularly emphasizes avoiding danger or damage during a specific action. Sorgsam is more suitable when something is treated with great and often sustained attention.
sorgsam
Auch nach dem Umzug reinigt und lagert Lea die alte Vase sorgsam.
Even after the move, Lea carefully cleans and stores the old vase.
vorsichtig
Beim Umzug trägt Lea die alte Vase vorsichtig über die steile Treppe.
While moving, Lea carries the old vase carefully down the steep stairs.
In real life
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