safe and well
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safe and well
Describes the state of being in good health and physical well-being, often after an illness, an accident, or a strenuous journey. The word is somewhat elevated or old-fashioned.
Nach der langen und gefährlichen Seereise sind alle Matrosen wohlauf im Hafen angekommen.
After the long and dangerous sea voyage, all the sailors arrived safe and well in the harbor.
The word is made up of 'wohl' (well) and 'auf' (up). The combination expresses that someone is back 'on their feet,' so in good health.
Wir waren erleichtert zu hören, dass nach dem Sturm alle wohlauf sind.
We were relieved to hear that everyone is safe and well after the storm.
'Wohlauf' (safe and well) is used almost exclusively predicatively, that is, in connection with a verb such as 'sein' (to be) or 'ankommen' (to arrive). Using it directly before a noun (attributively) is extremely rare and sounds very old-fashioned.
Der Patient ist nach der Operation wieder wohlauf.
The patient is safe and well again after the operation.
This word belongs to elevated or slightly old-fashioned language. It is rarely used in normal everyday speech; you are more likely to find it in reports, news, or more formal contexts.
Die Besatzung des gekenterten Schiffes ist wohlauf.
The crew of the capsized ship is safe and well.
healthy
Gesund is the neutral standard choice when someone is no longer ill. Wohlauf also describes a good physical condition, especially after an illness or danger, but sounds somewhat elevated or old-fashioned. In normal conversation, gesund is therefore usually the better choice.
Der Arzt teilte der Familie mit, dass Paul nach der langen Grippe wieder wohlauf sei.
The doctor informed the family that Paul was well again after the long bout of flu.
Nach der langen Grippe ist Paul endlich wieder gesund.
After the long bout of flu, Paul is finally healthy again.
