to turn to / devote
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to turn to
To direct one's attention or body toward someone or something; to occupy oneself with someone or something.
Nachdem er das Telefonat beendet hatte, wandte er sich wieder seinem Gast zu.
After he had ended the phone call, he turned back to his guest.
'Zuwenden' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' goes at the end. In a subordinate clause with a conjunction such as 'weil' (because) or 'dass' (that), the verb stays together.
Er wendet sich seinem nächsten Termin zu.
He turns to his next appointment.
The verb consists of the prefix 'zu-' (which indicates a direction, 'toward') and the verb 'wenden' (to turn, to direct). The word structure therefore directly reflects the meaning of directing attention toward something or someone.
Die Sonnenblumen wenden sich immer dem Licht zu.
Sunflowers always turn toward the light.
The grammar helps distinguish the meanings. The reflexive form 'sich zuwenden' means to direct one's attention (m01). The non-reflexive form 'jemandem etwas zuwenden' means to give something to someone (m02).
Die Lehrerin wandte sich dem neuen Schüler zu.
The teacher turned to the new student.
When you turn to someone or something, the construction is reflexive and the target of the attention is in the dative: sich (accusative) jemandem/etwas (dative) zuwenden.
Können Sie sich bitte diesem Problem zuwenden?
Could you please turn your attention to this problem?
to give
'geben' and 'zuwenden' can both mean that someone lets another person receive something. However, 'geben' is much more general and fits many concrete and abstract things, for example advice, information, or an opportunity. 'zuwenden' sounds more targeted and personal. It is used especially with attention, time, or affection. When something is 'zugewendet' to someone, the focus is often on consciously devoting oneself to that person.
Nach dem Unfall wendete die Lehrerin dem stillen Kind viel Aufmerksamkeit zu.
After the accident, the teacher gave the quiet child a lot of attention.
Mein Vater gibt mir im Gespräch oft gute Tipps zum Lernen.
In conversation, my father often gives me good tips for studying.