attention / grant
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attention / affection
The loving attention, care, and affection that one gives to a person or an animal.
Besonders kleine Kinder brauchen viel emotionale Zuwendung.
Small children in particular need a lot of emotional attention.
'Zuwendung' (attention / grant) is derived from the verb 'sich jemandem zuwenden' (to turn one's attention to someone). This verb means to direct one's attention toward someone. The basic idea of 'turning toward someone or something' is present in both meanings of the noun.
Ein guter Arzt wendet sich seinen Patienten mit Geduld zu.
A good doctor turns to his patients with patience.
The meaning can easily be recognized from the context. If it is about feelings, relationships, children, or animals, emotional attention is meant. If it is about money, institutions, or formal support, a financial contribution is meant.
Die Katze genießt die Zuwendung ihrer Besitzerin.
The cat enjoys the attention of its owner.
For the emotional meaning, the verbs 'geben' (to give), 'bekommen' (to receive), and 'brauchen' (to need) are typical. It is often described more precisely with adjectives such as 'liebevoll' (loving), 'menschlich' (human), or 'emotional' (emotional).
Der Patient braucht nach der Operation viel Zuwendung von seiner Familie.
After the operation, the patient needs a lot of attention from his family.
In a financial context, 'Zuwendung' (grant / donation) is often used with verbs such as 'erhalten' (to receive), 'gewähren' (to grant), or 'beantragen' (to apply for). Frequent combinations also include 'finanzielle Zuwendung' (financial grant) or 'staatliche Zuwendung' (government grant).
Die Stiftung gewährt Forschern großzügige Zuwendungen für ihre Projekte.
The foundation grants researchers generous funding for their projects.
The financial meaning of 'Zuwendung' (grant / donation) is mainly used in formal, official, and administrative contexts. It is a typical word in bureaucratic and administrative language.
Der Antrag auf Zuwendungen muss bis zum Ende des Monats eingereicht werden.
The application for grants must be submitted by the end of the month.
support
'Unterstützung' and 'Zuwendung' can both mean help or something positive for a person. 'Unterstützung' is the more general word for help, for example practical, moral, or financial help. 'Zuwendung' has two typical directions: it can mean loving attention, or a financial or material gift, often as a grant or donation. The words can be confused because a 'Zuwendung' can be a kind of 'Unterstützung'. For ordinary help in everyday life, 'Unterstützung' sounds more natural. 'Zuwendung' fits better when it is about personal closeness or a specific monetary gift.
Das Tierheim hat eine Zuwendung von der Stadt bekommen.
The animal shelter received a grant from the city.
Wegen der vielen Aufgaben bittet Maria ihren Kollegen um Unterstützung.
Because of the many tasks, Maria asks her colleague for support.