safekeeping / custody
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safekeeping
The secure storage of objects, often in a legal or formal context, to protect them from loss or damage.
Die wertvollen Dokumente wurden zur sicheren Verwahrung in den Tresor gelegt.
The valuable documents were placed in the safe for secure safekeeping.
custody
In a legal sense, the placement or detention of a person, especially preventive detention, in which an offender classified as dangerous continues to be held after serving their prison sentence in order to protect the public.
Nach seiner Haftstrafe ordnete das Gericht die Sicherungsverwahrung für den Täter an.
After his prison sentence, the court ordered preventive detention for the offender.
The noun 'Verwahrung' (safekeeping/custody) is derived from the verb 'verwahren' (to keep safe), which means 'sicher aufbewahren' (to store safely). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or state of secure storage.
Bitte verwahren Sie Ihr Gepäck sicher.
Please keep your luggage safe.
This word is often used with the preposition 'in'. The accusative indicates movement ('in Verwahrung geben' — to hand over for safekeeping), while the dative describes a state ('in Verwahrung sein' — to be in safekeeping/custody).
Der Notar hat das Testament in Verwahrung genommen.
The notary took the will into safekeeping.
When referring to objects, typical combinations are 'etwas in Verwahrung geben' (to hand something over for safekeeping), 'etwas in Verwahrung nehmen' (to take something into safekeeping), or 'zur sicheren Verwahrung' (for secure safekeeping).
Ich habe meine Schlüssel während des Urlaubs bei den Nachbarn in Verwahrung gegeben.
I left my keys with the neighbors for safekeeping during the vacation.
The meaning involving the detention of a person is used almost exclusively in legal contexts. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Straftäter' (offender), or the fixed term 'Sicherungsverwahrung' (preventive detention) clearly indicate that this meaning is intended.
Das Gericht prüft, ob die Voraussetzungen für eine Sicherungsverwahrung erfüllt sind.
The court is examining whether the requirements for preventive detention have been met.
care
Both words can be associated with taking on responsibility for a person. Obhut emphasizes caring supervision and protection, while Verwahrung, in the legal sense, refers to the continued placement and detention of a person classified as dangerous. Obhut is suitable for care, while Verwahrung is used for this formal restriction of freedom.
Nach der Haftstrafe wurde die Verwahrung des gefährlichen Straftäters angeordnet.
After the prison sentence, the dangerous offender was ordered to be placed in preventive detention.
Die Eltern gaben ihren Sohn während des Krankenhausaufenthalts in die Obhut seiner Tante.
The parents placed their son in his aunt’s care while he was in the hospital.
