noun

die Pflege, -n

care

Sorge und Hilfe für Menschen, Tiere oder Dinge, damit es ihnen gut geht oder sie in gutem Zustand bleiben.

Definition & meaning

Pflege means care, nursing, or maintenance, depending on context:

Care for a person: help and support with daily needs, especially for someone who is ill, elderly, or disabled.
Example: Die Pflege älterer Menschen — the care of older people.
Nursing or care services: professional care provided in a medical or residential setting.
Maintenance or upkeep: looking after an object, place, or system so it stays in good condition.
Cultivation or tending: looking after plants or another living thing.
Personal care or grooming: care for the body, skin, or appearance.

Grammar & Word origin

Pflege is a feminine noun: die Pflege. It is usually uncountable, so it generally has no plural in everyday use.

It is related to the verb pflegen , meaning “to care for,” “to tend,” or “to maintain.” The noun’s exact meaning depends on what is being cared for.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary by context:

Betreuung means support or supervision, often emphasizing personal assistance rather than hands-on nursing.
Fürsorge emphasizes concern for someone’s well-being and a sense of responsibility.
Versorgung emphasizes providing necessary services, supplies, or treatment.
Wartung means technical servicing or maintenance; unlike Pflege, it is generally used for equipment or systems.
Instandhaltung specifically means keeping buildings, machines, or other property in working condition.

Possible antonyms also depend on context:

Vernachlässigung means neglect and is a general opposite when someone or something is not given needed care.
Misshandlung means abuse or mistreatment; it is an opposite only in the context of care for a person.