shelter
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shelter
A place that offers protection from weather, danger, or persecution.
Die Wanderer suchten bei dem Gewitter einen Unterschlupf in einer kleinen Höhle.
During the thunderstorm, the hikers looked for shelter in a small cave.
The word comes from 'unter-' (under) and the old verb 'schlupfen' (to slip, to slip into). So a 'Unterschlupf' (shelter) is figuratively a place you can quickly 'hineinschlüpfen' (slip into) in order to hide or protect yourself.
Die Katze fand einen Unterschlupf unter dem Auto.
The cat found shelter under the car.
Common verbs used with 'Unterschlupf' (shelter) are 'suchen' (to look for), 'finden' (to find), 'bieten' (to offer), or 'gewähren' (to grant). You look for, find, or offer someone protection.
Die Familie bot den Reisenden für eine Nacht Unterschlupf.
The family offered the travelers shelter for one night.
The word is almost always used in the context of protection from something negative. Typically, people look for shelter 'vor dem Regen' (from the rain), 'vor dem Sturm' (from the storm), or 'vor Verfolgern' (from pursuers).
Die Bergsteiger suchten in einer Hütte Unterschlupf vor dem Schneesturm.
The mountaineers sought shelter from the snowstorm in a hut.
construction / building
'der Bau' and 'der Unterschlupf' can both refer to a protected place. 'der Bau' is a typical dwelling of certain animals, often underground or well hidden. 'der Unterschlupf' is more general: it offers protection from weather or danger and can be for people or animals. So a 'Bau' is a specific kind of 'Unterschlupf', but not every 'Unterschlupf' is a 'Bau'. For animals like a fox or badger, 'der Bau' sounds more precise; for temporary protection, 'der Unterschlupf' fits better.
Bei dem starken Regen suchten die Wanderer Unterschlupf in einer Hütte.
In the heavy rain, the hikers sought shelter in a hut.
Der Dachs kommt erst am Abend aus seinem Bau.
The badger only comes out of its den in the evening.