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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Zuflucht suchen
to seek refuge
The act of looking to someone or something for help, comfort, or protection.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Trennung suchte sie Zuflucht bei ihren Freunden.
After the breakup, she sought refuge with her friends.
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
Schutz refers to being protected from a danger. Here, Zuflucht refers to seeking help or a safe place when danger exists. Use Schutz for the safe state that has been reached and Zuflucht for actively seeking safety.
Zuflucht
Als der Sturm begann, suchte die Familie im Rathaus Zuflucht.
When the storm began, the family sought refuge in the town hall.
Schutz
Während des Sturms fand die Familie im Rathaus Schutz.
During the storm, the family found protection in the town hall.
In real life
Loading video examples...