sorgen
care · worry
Sich Gedanken machen, weil man Angst hat, dass etwas Schlechtes passiert.
Definition & meaning
The word sorgen is a versatile German verb that primarily carries two distinct meanings depending on the context:
- To worry or be concerned: In this sense, it describes the act of feeling anxiety, apprehension, or concern about a future event or a person's well-being. This is often used reflexively as sich sorgen (to worry oneself).
- To provide or ensure: In this sense, it means to take care of something, to make arrangements, or to provide for someone's needs. It is usually paired with the preposition für (to provide for/take care of).
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a weak (regular) verb.
- Present tense: ich sorge, du sorgst, er/sie/es sorgt.
- Past tense (Präteritum): sorgte.
- Perfect tense: hat gesorgt.
- Word origin: It stems from the Old High German soragēn, which is related to the Old English word sorh (sorrow). Historically, it combines the concept of mental distress with the proactive act of alleviating that distress.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- For "to worry": sich beunruhigen , sich ängstigen , sich grämen .
- For "to provide/ensure": kümmern , versorgen , gewährleisten , bereitstellen .
Antonyms
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Examples
Sie sorgen immer gut für ihre Familie.verb
They always take good care of their family.
Sie sorgen für die Pflanzen im Garten.verb
They care for the plants in the garden.
Sie sorgen sich um ihre Familie.verb
They worry about their family.
Wir sorgen uns um unsere Pflanzen.verb
We worry about our plants.
Wir sorgen uns um seine Gesundheit.verb
We are worried about his health.
Wir sorgen uns um die Zukunft.verb
We worry about the future.
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