guardian
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guardian
A person appointed by a court to take over the legal representation and care of a minor (ward) whose parents are unable to do so.
Nach dem Tod ihrer Eltern wurde ihr Onkel zu ihrem Vormund bestellt.
After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her guardian.
The word has an old origin. 'Vor-' means 'for,' and '-mund' comes from an old word for 'protection' or 'hand.' A 'Vormund' (guardian) is therefore a person who steps in protectively on someone’s behalf.
Der Vormund vertritt die Interessen des Kindes vor Gericht.
The guardian represents the child's interests in court.
A guardian is not chosen privately but officially appointed by a court. Therefore, typical verbs are 'bestellen' (to appoint) and 'bestellt werden' (to be appointed). You can also say 'die Vormundschaft übernehmen' (to take over guardianship).
Das Gericht hat einen Vormund für das Waisenkind bestellt.
The court appointed a guardian for the orphaned child.
The word family includes 'die Vormundschaft' (guardianship, the legal status) and 'das Mündel' (ward, the person, usually a child, who has a guardian). These words often appear together.
Die Vormundschaft endet automatisch, wenn das Mündel 18 Jahre alt wird.
Guardianship ends automatically when the ward turns 18.
supervisor / caregiver / guardian
Der Betreuer and der Vormund are appointed by a court and handle legal matters for other people. A Betreuer supports an adult who is unable to manage these matters themselves. A Vormund takes over the legal representation and care of a minor whose parents are unable to fulfill this role.
Das Gericht bestellt für das Kind einen Vormund, weil seine Eltern die Sorge nicht übernehmen können.
The court appoints a guardian for the child because the child's parents are unable to take on responsibility for the child's care.
Das Gericht bestellt für den hilfsbedürftigen Erwachsenen einen Betreuer.
The court appoints a legal guardian for the adult who needs assistance.
