refuge
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refuge
A safe place where someone can seek and find protection from danger, persecution, or burdens.
Für viele verfolgte Tiere ist der Nationalpark ein wichtiger Zufluchtsort.
For many persecuted animals, the national park is an important refuge.
refuge
A place, person, or activity that offers someone emotional support, comfort, and an escape from everyday life.
Ihre Bibliothek war ihr persönlicher Zufluchtsort, an dem sie sich von der Welt zurückziehen konnte.
Her library was her personal refuge, where she could withdraw from the world.
The word consists of 'Zuflucht' (refuge, shelter) and 'Ort' (place). The 's' in between is a linking s that connects the two parts. A 'Zufluchtsort' is therefore literally an 'Ort der Zuflucht' (place of refuge).
Die alte Kirche war für viele ein Zufluchtsort.
The old church was a refuge for many people.
The noun is closely connected with the verb 'suchen' (to seek). The fixed expression is 'Zuflucht suchen' (to seek refuge). You can seek or find refuge in a place.
Im Sturm suchten die Wanderer Zuflucht in einer kleinen Hütte.
In the storm, the hikers sought refuge in a small hut.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about protection from concrete danger such as war or persecution, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about a break from stress or everyday life, the figurative, emotional meaning is intended.
Das Frauenhaus bietet einen Zufluchtsort für Opfer häuslicher Gewalt.
The women's shelter offers a refuge for victims of domestic violence.
In the literal meaning, safety or urgency is often emphasized. Typical adjectives here are 'sicher' (safe), 'geschützt' (protected), or also 'letzter' (last).
Für die Familie war dieses Land der letzte Zufluchtsort.
For the family, this country was the last refuge.
In the figurative meaning, the personal character of the place or activity is emphasized. Typical adjectives here are 'persönlich' (personal), 'privat' (private), or 'geistig' (intellectual/spiritual).
Sein Garten ist sein ganz persönlicher Zufluchtsort.
His garden is his very own personal refuge.
harbor / port
Both words can be used figuratively for a place or person that provides safety and emotional support. Hafen is more strongly associated with emotional security and a lasting feeling of having arrived, while Zufluchtsort emphasizes withdrawing from stress or everyday life. Choose Zufluchtsort when the focus is on retreat.
Die ruhige Bibliothek ist für ihn ein Zufluchtsort vor dem Lärm des Alltags.
The quiet library is a refuge for him from the noise of everyday life.
Bei ihrer Familie fühlt sie sich sicher und findet einen Hafen nach schweren Tagen.
With her family, she feels safe and finds a safe haven after difficult days.
