Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sorgerecht | /ˈzɔʁɡəˌʁɛçt/ | neuter |
| Obhut | [ˈʔɔpˌhuːt] (narrow) [ˈʔoːpˌhuːt] (narrow) |
feminine |
| Obsorge | /ˈɔpˌsɔɐ̯ɡɛ/ (Austria) | feminine |
The term refers to the legal right and responsibility of parents to make decisions for their children. To express the phrase 'to have custody' in a legal sense, use the verb haben with Sorgerecht, as in das Sorgerecht haben.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Sorgerecht is a compound of Sorge (care/concern) and Recht (right/law).
Which one should you use?
In contrast, Obhut refers more to the physical care or the state of being under someone's protection or supervision.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Obsorge is a term used specifically in Austria to refer to care or custody, whereas Sorgerecht is the standard term in Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
Sorgerecht is a neuter noun, so the definite article is das. Obhut is a feminine noun, so the definite article is die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɔʁɡəˌʁɛçt/
Did you know?
- The word Sorge in Sorgerecht is also the standard German word for 'worry' or 'anxiety'. This creates a linguistic link between the legal responsibility of parenting and the emotional stress of caring for a child.
- While Sorgerecht is used for people, the word Obhut is also used to describe the 'custody' of precious artifacts in a museum or archive.
- The term Obhut is etymologically linked to the English word 'heed'. Both terms share a common ancestor centered on the concept of guarding, watching over, or paying close attention to someone.
Examples in context
- Tom will das Sorgerecht für seinen Sohn.Tom wants custody of his son.This sentence shows how to express wanting custody of a son using Sorgerecht.Tatoeba #7193721 by Luiaard, translation #5736499 by CM
- Ihr Mann wollte auch das Sorgerecht für die Kinder.Her husband also wanted custody of the children.This sentence demonstrates wanting custody of children using Sorgerecht.Tatoeba #3059926 by thomasvw, translation #276715 by CM
- Fadil wird das Sorgerecht für seine Kinder bekommen.Fadil will get custody of his children.This sentence shows how to say someone will get custody of their children using Sorgerecht.Tatoeba #9457094 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5882836 by OsoHombre
- Das Sorgerecht wurde dem Vater zugesprochen.The custody was awarded to the father.
- Nach der Scheidung teilen sie sich die Kindererziehung.After the divorce, they share the custody of the children.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are discussing their legal situation during a separation.
- LauraWer bekommt das Sorgerecht für die Kinder?Who will get custody of the children?
- MaximilianWir sollten uns auf ein gemeinsames Sorgerecht einigen.We should agree on joint custody.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee, Maximilian.That is a good idea, Maximilian.
- MaximilianDann sprechen wir morgen mit dem Anwalt.Then we will speak with the lawyer tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “custody” translations and entries Sorgerecht, Obhut, Obsorge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Obhut, Obsorge, Sorgerecht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
