01
die Zuflucht
refuge
A place or state that offers protection and safety from danger, persecution, or distress.
example
Die Wanderer suchten in der Hütte Zuflucht vor dem Gewitter.
The hikers sought refuge in the hut from the thunderstorm.
die Zuflucht
refuge
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'zu' (to) and 'Flucht' (flight / escape). So it literally describes a place to which one flees in order to be safe.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie fand Zuflucht in einem Nachbarland.
The family found refuge in a neighboring country.
Typical verbs
'Zuflucht' (refuge) is very often used with the verbs 'suchen' (to seek), 'finden' (to find), and 'gewähren' (to grant). These combinations are fixed expressions.
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen suchen in der Religion Zuflucht.
Many people seek refuge in religion.
Important prepositions
One seeks or finds refuge 'vor' a danger (dative), 'in' a place (dative), or 'bei' a person (dative).
EXAMPLE
Die Tiere suchten Zuflucht vor dem Sturm.
The animals sought refuge from the storm.
Compare with
Zuflucht vs Schutz
protection
'der Schutz' and 'die Zuflucht' can both have to do with safety from danger. 'Schutz' generally describes someone or something being safe or being made safe. 'Zuflucht' more often means a place or person you go to when you are threatened, afraid, or need help. So you can receive 'Schutz' (protection), but seek 'Zuflucht' (refuge). The words can be confused because 'Zuflucht' always also offers protection. However, 'Zuflucht' sounds more strongly connected to flight, distress, or pressure.
Zuflucht
Bei dem starken Gewitter fanden die Wanderer Zuflucht in einer kleinen Hütte.
During the severe thunderstorm, the hikers found refuge in a small hut.
Schutz
Nach dem Unfall brauchte das Kind besonderen Schutz und viel Ruhe.
After the accident, the child needed special protection and plenty of rest.
In real life
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