verb

schützen

protect · protect oneself

Etwas oder jemanden vor Gefahr oder Schaden bewahren.

Definition & meaning

The verb schützen refers to the act of protecting someone or something from danger, harm, damage, or unwanted external influences. It encompasses various contexts:

Physical protection: Shielding a person or object from an attack, physical injury, or destructive elements (e.g., shielding a plant from frost).
Abstract protection: Safeguarding rights, data, the environment, or interests from threats (e.g., protecting personal data or the climate).
Reflexive usage (sich schützen): Taking precautions to keep oneself safe or healthy (e.g., wearing protective gear).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a regular weak verb. The conjugation follows the standard pattern: schützt (3rd person singular present), schützte (simple past), geschützt (past participle). It is usually used with the accusative case (e.g., "Ich schütze das Kind").
Word origin: It is derived from the Middle High German word schützen, which originally meant "to fence in" or "to provide with a shield." It is etymologically related to the German noun Schutz (protection) and shares roots with the term Schütze (marksman/archer), reflecting the historical context of using shields or defensive weaponry.