safe and sound
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safe and sound
Uninjured and in good condition, especially after a journey, an adventure, or a dangerous situation.
Nach der langen Wanderung sind alle Bergsteiger wohlbehalten im Tal angekommen.
After the long hike, all the mountaineers arrived in the valley safe and sound.
The word is made up of 'wohl' (well) and 'behalten' (kept). So it describes a state in which someone or something has remained 'well preserved' or unharmed.
Wir hoffen, dass Sie wohlbehalten zu Hause ankommen.
We hope you arrive home safe and sound.
'Wohlbehalten' (safe and sound) is usually used at the end of the sentence (predicatively) with verbs of arrival or return. Typical verbs are 'ankommen' (to arrive), 'zurückkehren' (to return), or 'eintreffen' (to arrive).
Die Expedition kehrte nach drei Monaten wohlbehalten zurück.
The expedition returned safe and sound after three months.
This word belongs to an elevated or slightly formal style. It is often found in reports, news, or when expressing relief about a safe return.
Die Polizei teilte mit, dass das vermisste Kind wohlbehalten gefunden wurde.
The police announced that the missing child had been found safe and sound.
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'wohlbehalten' can both say that someone has not been harmed. 'sicher' is more general and describes that there is no danger or that someone is protected. 'wohlbehalten' is used especially after a journey, an accident, a storm, or another difficult situation. It means that someone has arrived or returned safe and sound, uninjured. Learners may confuse the words because both fit after danger. However, 'wohlbehalten' emphasizes the good outcome after a possible risk.
Nach der langen Reise ist Paul wohlbehalten zu Hause angekommen.
After the long journey, Paul arrived home safe and sound.
Während des Sturms waren alle Gäste im Hotel sicher.
During the storm, all the guests were safe in the hotel.