German word

kümmern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʏmɐn/

Meaning

  • verbtake care of

Example

Ich kümmere mich um die Kinder.

I take care of the children.

Illustration for kümmern (take care of)

More examples

Wer kümmert sich um die Anmeldung für den Kurs?

Who handles the registration for the course?

Core concept

Concern becomes practical action: a person deals with a need, problem, or responsibility rather than merely noticing it.

Common phrases

  • sich um die Anmeldung kümmern

    handle the registration

  • sich um die Organisation kümmern

    manage the organization

  • sich um jemanden kümmern

    look after someone

Similar words

sorgen für: Arrange what someone needs and make sure it is provided.
sich sorgen um: Feel worried and anxious about someone or something.
aufpassen: Watch closely to keep someone or something safe for a short time.
pflegen: Provide ongoing care to support a sick or elderly person's health.

Definition in German

Aktiv für die Bedürfnisse sorgen und die Verantwortung für eine Person oder Sache übernehmen

Word origin

The German verb is historically related to Kummer, 'worry', with the reflexive construction developing the sense of taking care of what causes concern.

Usage tips

  • Sich kümmern normally requires mich, dich, sich, or another reflexive form, while the cared-for person or thing follows um in the accusative.

Other meanings

  • care aboutverb
  • deal withverb

Opposites

Related words

  • der Kummerworrynoun
  • bekümmerndistressverb
  • bekümmertconcernedadjective

Word lists with this word