German word

sorgen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɔɐ̯gən/

Meaning

  • verbtake care of

Example

Sie sorgt für die Kinder.

She takes care of the children.

Illustration for sorgen (take care of)

More examples

Er sorgt sich um seine Zukunft.

He worries about his future.

Core concept

Concern becomes practical action that protects a person, supplies a need, or ensures a desired result.

Common phrases

  • für die Kinder sorgen

    take care of the children

  • für Getränke sorgen

    provide drinks

  • für einen Sitzplatz sorgen

    arrange a seat

Similar words

aufpassen: Stay alert and watch over someone to keep them safe.
kümmern: Deal with someone's needs by organizing suitable help or care.

Definition in German

Für jemanden/etwas sorgen heißt, die Betreuung und Versorgung übernehmen, damit die Bedürfnisse der Person oder Sache gedeckt sind.

Word origin

The verb sorgen belongs to the inherited Germanic family represented by German Sorge and preserves its older connection between concern and active care.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses sich Sorgen machen for personal worry, while sorgen für usually focuses on providing, arranging, or ensuring something.

Other meanings

  • worryverb
  • bring aboutverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Sorgeworrynoun
  • sorgenfreicarefreeadjective
  • Sorglosigkeitcarelessnessnoun

Word lists with this word