der Sozialstaat, -en
welfare state
Ein Land, das Menschen hilft, wenn sie krank sind, keine Arbeit haben oder wenig Geld haben.
The German word "Sozialstaat" is a compound noun made of two words:
- "Sozial" meaning social,
- "Staat" meaning state.
Sozialstaat refers to a welfare state—a state that takes responsibility for ensuring social security and well-being for its citizens through measures like healthcare, social insurance, and public services.
Similar words:
- Wohlfahrtsstaat (welfare state)
- Fürsorgestaat (caretaker state)
Differences:
- Sozialstaat emphasizes the state's role in social justice and balancing individual freedom with social security.
- Wohlfahrtsstaat focuses more on the provision of social welfare benefits.
- Fürsorgestaat has a more paternalistic nuance, implying caregiving or oversight.
In practice, "Sozialstaat" is the broad and commonly used term describing a state's social system.
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Examples
Ein Sozialstaat sorgt für die Absicherung der Bürger.noun
A welfare state ensures the security of the citizens.
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