pflegebedürftig 30秒で
- Pflegebedürftig describes someone who cannot live independently and requires ongoing nursing or personal care due to health conditions or advanced age.
- It is a formal term in the German healthcare system, essential for accessing insurance benefits and determining the 'Pflegegrad' (care level).
- Grammatically, it is an adjective that can be nominalized (e.g., 'der Pflegebedürftige') to refer to a person needing care.
- It is more specific than 'krank' (sick) and implies a long-term or permanent state rather than a temporary illness.
The German adjective pflegebedürftig is a compound word that carries significant weight in both social and legal contexts. To understand it fully, one must break it down into its constituent parts: Pflege (care/nursing) and bedürftig (needy/in need of). When combined, they describe a state where an individual is no longer able to manage the essential tasks of daily life independently due to physical, mental, or psychological illness or disability. This isn't just a casual observation; in Germany, it is a formal status that triggers specific social security benefits. You will hear this word most frequently when discussing the elderly, the chronically ill, or the severely disabled. It implies a long-term requirement for assistance, usually lasting at least six months according to statutory definitions. While it sounds clinical, it is used with deep empathy in family settings. For example, a family might say their grandfather has become pflegebedürftig, necessitating either home care or a move to a specialized facility. It is distinct from being merely 'sick' (krank), as sickness is often temporary, whereas Pflegebedürftigkeit suggests a permanent or long-standing change in one's functional capacity.
- Semantic Range
- Covers everything from needing help with dressing and eating to requiring 24-hour medical supervision.
- Legal Context
- Relates to the German 'Pflegeversicherung' (Long-term care insurance) which assesses levels of need from Grade 1 to 5.
Durch den schweren Unfall wurde der junge Mann leider dauerhaft pflegebedürftig.
Beyond the medical sphere, the word reflects a societal reality in Germany, which has one of the world's oldest populations. Discussions about 'demografischer Wandel' (demographic change) almost always involve the rising number of pflegebedürftige Menschen. It is a word that appears in political debates, insurance contracts, and medical journals, but also in heartfelt conversations between siblings deciding how to care for their parents. It carries a sense of vulnerability but also a right to dignity and support. Unlike the English term 'invalid', which can feel dated or pejorative, pflegebedürftig is the standard, neutral, and respectful term used by professionals and laypeople alike. It focuses on the need for care rather than the inability of the person, framing the situation as a requirement for external support to maintain a quality of life.
Es ist wichtig, dass pflegebedürftige Personen ihre Würde behalten.
- Societal Impact
- The word is central to the 'Pflegenotstand' (nursing crisis) debate in Germany, highlighting the shortage of staff to care for those in need.
Using pflegebedürftig correctly requires an understanding of its role as an adjective. It can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein' or 'werden') or attributively (before a noun). Because it is a formal and somewhat long word, it often appears in written reports, but in spoken German, it is the primary way to describe someone's status regarding their care needs. One of the most common constructions is 'jemand ist pflegebedürftig' (someone is in need of care). You might also see it paired with adverbs of degree, such as 'schwer pflegebedürftig' (severely in need of care) or 'zunehmend pflegebedürftig' (increasingly in need of care). This allows for nuance in describing the progression of a condition, such as dementia or Parkinson's disease.
Nach ihrem Schlaganfall war meine Großmutter plötzlich pflegebedürftig.
When used attributively, the adjective must agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. For instance, 'die Pflege eines pflegebedürftigen Angehörigen' (the care of a relative in need of care) uses the genitive masculine ending '-en'. This is particularly common in administrative language. In the plural, you will often see 'pflegebedürftige Menschen' or 'die Pflegebedürftigen' (the people in need of care, used as a nominalized adjective). Nominalization is a powerful feature of German grammar; by capitalizing the 'P' and adding an article, the adjective becomes a noun representing the entire group of people sharing that characteristic.
- Grammar: Nominalization
- 'Der Pflegebedürftige' (the male person in need of care), 'Die Pflegebedürftige' (the female person), 'Die Pflegebedürftigen' (the plural group).
Die Zahl der Pflegebedürftigen in Deutschland steigt kontinuierlich an.
Another important aspect of its usage is the distinction between 'pflegebedürftig' and 'hilfsbedürftig'. While 'hilfsbedürftig' is a broader term meaning 'in need of help' (which could apply to someone lost in a city or someone poor), 'pflegebedürftig' specifically implies medical or geriatric nursing care. Therefore, in a medical or social work context, 'pflegebedürftig' is the precise term to use. It is also often used in the context of 'Pflegegeld' (care allowance), where the person's status determines the amount of financial support they receive from the state.
Obwohl er erst 60 ist, gilt er offiziell als pflegebedürftig.
In Germany, pflegebedürftig is a word that permeates several layers of daily life, from the bureaucratic to the deeply personal. If you are watching the evening news (like Tagesschau), you will frequently hear it in segments regarding social policy, healthcare reform, or the 'Pflegenotstand'. Politicians often use it when discussing how to fund the increasing costs of the aging population. In these contexts, it is a statistical and economic term. For example, a news anchor might report: 'Die Reform soll die Situation für pflegebedürftige Senioren verbessern' (The reform is intended to improve the situation for seniors in need of care).
In den Nachrichten hieß es, dass immer mehr Menschen im Alter pflegebedürftig werden.
In a medical setting—such as a hospital (Krankenhaus) or a doctor's office (Arztpraxis)—the word is used to categorize a patient's discharge plan. A social worker might ask a family: 'Wird der Patient nach der Entlassung pflegebedürftig sein?' This determines whether the patient goes home with a mobile nursing service (ambulanter Pflegedienst) or to a nursing home (Pflegeheim). It is also the key word in insurance documents. Every German citizen pays into the 'Pflegeversicherung', and when they apply for benefits, they must undergo an assessment by the 'Medizinischer Dienst' to be declared pflegebedürftig.
- Daily Life
- Conversations about caring for aging parents often center on this word and the logistical challenges it brings.
- Workplace
- Employees might mention they need time off because a relative has become 'pflegebedürftig' (Pflegezeit).
Mein Chef hatte Verständnis, als ich ihm sagte, dass mein Vater jetzt pflegebedürftig ist.
Finally, you will encounter the word in legal and academic texts. Law students and sociology students study the 'SGB XI' (the eleventh book of the German Social Code), which is entirely dedicated to the rights and provisions for Pflegebedürftige. In this environment, the term is defined with extreme precision, focusing on the 'Grad der Selbstständigkeit' (degree of independence). Despite its clinical roots, the word remains the most empathetic way to describe the condition, avoiding the harshness of older terms like 'siech' (infirm/sickly) which have long since fallen out of favor.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using pflegebedürftig is confusing it with the general word for 'sick' (krank). While a sick person might need care, pflegebedürftig implies a specific, chronic need for assistance with basic living activities. If someone has the flu, they are krank, but they are not pflegebedürftig. Using the latter in a temporary or minor illness context sounds overly dramatic and medically incorrect. It is reserved for conditions that significantly impair long-term independence.
Mistake: Ich kann heute nicht zur Arbeit kommen, ich bin pflegebedürftig.
Correct: Ich kann heute nicht zur Arbeit kommen, ich bin krank.
Another common error involves the confusion between pflegebedürftig and hilfsbedürftig. As mentioned earlier, hilfsbedürftig is much broader. You might be hilfsbedürftig if you are carrying heavy bags and need someone to hold the door. However, you are only pflegebedürftig if you require nursing-level care. Using pflegebedürftig when you just need a small favor sounds very strange to native speakers. Similarly, don't confuse it with behindert (disabled). While many disabled people are pflegebedürftig, the two are not synonymous. One refers to a physical or mental impairment, while the other refers to the resulting need for care services.
- Adjective vs. Noun
- Mistake: 'Er ist ein Pflegebedürftig.' Correct: 'Er ist ein Pflegebedürftiger' (Noun) or 'Er ist pflegebedürftig' (Adjective).
Grammatically, learners often struggle with the declension of this long adjective. Because it ends in '-ig', it follows the standard pattern, but its length makes it easy to trip over. For example, in the dative plural: 'mit pflegebedürftigen Personen'. Forgetting the '-en' ending here is a common mistake. Additionally, some learners try to use it as a verb, like 'ich pflegebedürftige', which is impossible. You must use the verb 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become).
Mistake: Sie ist sehr pflegebedürftig für Hilfe.
Correct: Sie ist pflegebedürftig und braucht Hilfe. (The word already contains the 'need' aspect, so 'für Hilfe' is redundant).
While pflegebedürftig is the most precise and formal term, German offers several synonyms and related words depending on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more like a native speaker and allows you to describe a person's condition with greater sensitivity. A common alternative in less formal, more descriptive contexts is gebrechlich (frail). This word describes the physical weakness often associated with old age, but it doesn't carry the legal weight of being 'in need of care'. You might describe an old man as gebrechlich even if he still lives alone and manages his own care.
- Pflegebedürftig vs. Gebrechlich
- 'Pflegebedürftig' is a functional/legal status; 'gebrechlich' is a physical description of weakness or fragility.
- Pflegebedürftig vs. Hilfsbedürftig
- 'Hilfsbedürftig' is general (needs help); 'pflegebedürftig' is specific (needs nursing/daily living care).
Der alte Nachbar wirkt zwar gebrechlich, ist aber zum Glück noch nicht pflegebedürftig.
Another related term is hinfällig. This is a somewhat more literary or old-fashioned word meaning 'decrepit' or 'infirm'. It suggests a state of advanced decline. In a professional medical context, you might also hear unterstützungsbedürftig (in need of support). This is often used when the need is not strictly medical but involves help with social or administrative tasks. For children who need constant care due to illness, the term pflegeintensiv is often used, especially when describing the level of nursing required (e.g., 'ein pflegeintensives Kind').
If you want to avoid the adjective entirely, you can use phrases like 'auf Hilfe angewiesen sein' (to be dependent on help) or 'Pflege benötigen' (to require care). These are excellent for variety in writing. For example, 'Er benötigt tägliche Pflege' (He requires daily care) is a common way to express the same idea without using the long adjective. In the context of insurance, you will often hear about 'Pflegegrade' (care levels). Instead of saying someone is 'very pflegebedürftig', a professional would say 'Er hat Pflegegrad 4'. This provides a standardized measure of their needs.
Viele Senioren sind im Alltag auf Hilfe angewiesen, ohne direkt pflegebedürftig im Sinne der Versicherung zu sein.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The suffix '-bedürftig' is very productive in German. You can create words like 'liebesbedürftig' (needing love) or 'schlafbedürftig' (needing sleep), though 'pflegebedürftig' is the most formal and common.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing the 'pf' as just 'f'.
- Pronouncing 'ü' like 'u' or 'i'.
- Missing the 'g' in the middle.
- Hard 'g' at the end instead of the soft 'ch' sound.
- Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., on 'be').
難易度
The word is long but follows standard German compound rules. Easy to recognize once you know the parts.
Spelling 'pflegebedürftig' correctly and applying the right adjective endings can be tricky.
The 'pfl' and 'ü' sounds together in a long word require practice for clear pronunciation.
Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in medical or social contexts.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
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知っておくべき文法
Adjective Declension
ein pflegebedürftigER Mann, eine pflegebedürftigE Frau, das pflegebedürftigE Kind.
Nominalization of Adjectives
Der Pflegebedürftige (the person), die Pflegebedürftigen (plural).
Compound Nouns with 'Pflege'
Pflege + Heim = Pflegeheim; Pflege + Kraft = Pflegekraft.
Suffix '-bedürftig'
hilfsbedürftig, schutzbedürftig, erholungsbedürftig.
Verbs with Genitive
bedürfen (jemand bedarf der Pflege).
レベル別の例文
Meine Oma ist alt und pflegebedürftig.
My grandma is old and in need of care.
Simple predicative use of the adjective.
Braucht er Hilfe? Ja, er ist pflegebedürftig.
Does he need help? Yes, he is in need of care.
Short answer using the adjective.
Der Mann ist sehr pflegebedürftig.
The man is very much in need of care.
Using 'sehr' to modify the adjective.
Ist deine Mutter pflegebedürftig?
Is your mother in need of care?
Interrogative sentence.
Sie ist nicht pflegebedürftig, sie ist nur krank.
She is not in need of care, she is just sick.
Negative construction with 'nicht'.
Mein Vater wird langsam pflegebedürftig.
My father is slowly becoming in need of care.
Using 'werden' to show a change of state.
Wir helfen pflegebedürftigen Menschen.
We help people in need of care.
Dative plural adjective ending '-en'.
Das ist ein pflegebedürftiger Mann.
That is a man in need of care.
Attributive use with nominative masculine ending '-er'.
Wenn man pflegebedürftig ist, bekommt man oft Geld von der Versicherung.
When you are in need of care, you often get money from the insurance.
Subordinate clause with 'wenn'.
Er wohnt im Pflegeheim, weil er pflegebedürftig ist.
He lives in a nursing home because he is in need of care.
Subordinate clause with 'weil'.
Viele pflegebedürftige Senioren leben noch zu Hause.
Many seniors in need of care still live at home.
Plural attributive adjective.
Meine Tante ist seit zwei Jahren pflegebedürftig.
My aunt has been in need of care for two years.
Using 'seit' with the present tense.
Gibt es hier viele pflegebedürftige Personen?
Are there many people in need of care here?
Adjective modifying a plural noun.
Er ist schwer pflegebedürftig und braucht 24-Stunden-Hilfe.
He is severely in need of care and needs 24-hour help.
Compound modifier 'schwer pflegebedürftig'.
Wer kümmert sich um die pflegebedürftige Frau?
Who takes care of the woman in need of care?
Attributive use with feminine ending '-e'.
Sie wurde nach dem Unfall pflegebedürftig.
She became in need of care after the accident.
Past tense of 'werden'.
In Deutschland gibt es immer mehr pflegebedürftige Menschen.
In Germany, there are more and more people in need of care.
Comparative 'immer mehr'.
Die Versicherung prüft, ob der Patient pflegebedürftig ist.
The insurance checks whether the patient is in need of care.
Indirect question with 'ob'.
Für pflegebedürftige Angehörige zu sorgen, ist eine große Aufgabe.
Caring for relatives in need of care is a big task.
Infinitive construction with 'zu'.
Der Arzt hat bestätigt, dass er pflegebedürftig geworden ist.
The doctor confirmed that he has become in need of care.
Perfect tense of 'werden' in a subordinate clause.
Es gibt verschiedene Stufen für pflegebedürftige Personen.
There are different levels for people in need of care.
Prepositional phrase with 'für' (accusative).
Trotz seiner Krankheit ist er noch nicht pflegebedürftig.
Despite his illness, he is not yet in need of care.
Preposition 'trotz' (genitive).
Die Unterstützung für pflegebedürftige Kinder ist sehr wichtig.
Support for children in need of care is very important.
Adjective modifying 'Kinder' (plural).
Wie definiert man eigentlich 'pflegebedürftig'?
How does one actually define 'in need of care'?
Using 'man' as an indefinite pronoun.
Die Zahl der Pflegebedürftigen wird in den nächsten Jahrzehnten drastisch zunehmen.
The number of people in need of care will increase drastically in the coming decades.
Nominalized adjective in the genitive case.
Man muss einen Antrag stellen, um als pflegebedürftig anerkannt zu werden.
One must submit an application to be recognized as in need of care.
Passive infinitive construction with 'um... zu'.
Pflegebedürftige Menschen haben einen gesetzlichen Anspruch auf Beratung.
People in need of care have a legal claim to counseling.
Attributive adjective in the nominative plural.
Die häusliche Pflege pflegebedürftiger Eltern ist oft eine emotionale Belastung.
Home care for parents in need of care is often an emotional burden.
Genitive plural adjective ending '-er'.
Es ist eine Herausforderung, pflegebedürftige Patienten würdevoll zu betreuen.
It is a challenge to care for patients in need of care with dignity.
Infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Nicht jeder, der krank ist, ist automatisch auch pflegebedürftig.
Not everyone who is sick is automatically also in need of care.
Relative clause 'der krank ist'.
Die Reform zielt darauf ab, die Situation pflegebedürftiger Menschen zu verbessern.
The reform aims to improve the situation of people in need of care.
Genitive plural attributive adjective.
Wann gilt eine Person offiziell als pflegebedürftig?
When is a person officially considered in need of care?
Using 'gelten als' (to be considered as).
Die Einstufung als pflegebedürftig erfolgt durch den Medizinischen Dienst.
The classification as in need of care is carried out by the Medical Service.
Nominalized adjective used with 'als'.
Oftmals wird die psychische Belastung pflegebedürftiger Personen unterschätzt.
The psychological burden of people in need of care is often underestimated.
Genitive plural adjective.
Die Definition von Pflegebedürftigkeit hat sich im Laufe der Jahre gewandelt.
The definition of the need for care has changed over the years.
Abstract noun 'Pflegebedürftigkeit'.
Es mangelt an qualifiziertem Personal für die Betreuung pflegebedürftiger Heimbewohner.
There is a lack of qualified staff for the care of nursing home residents in need of care.
Genitive plural adjective modifying 'Heimbewohner'.
Pflegebedürftige haben das Recht auf eine individuelle Pflegeplanung.
People in need of care have the right to an individual care plan.
Nominalized adjective as the subject.
Die soziale Isolation pflegebedürftiger Menschen ist ein ernstzunehmendes Problem.
The social isolation of people in need of care is a serious problem.
Genitive plural adjective.
Werden pflegebedürftige Personen zu Hause gepflegt, erhalten sie Pflegegeld.
If people in need of care are cared for at home, they receive care allowance.
Conditional clause without 'wenn' (verb-first).
Die Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und der Pflege pflegebedürftiger Angehöriger ist schwierig.
The compatibility of career and the care of relatives in need of care is difficult.
Genitive plural adjective.
Die rechtliche Ausgestaltung des Begriffs 'pflegebedürftig' ist hochkomplex.
The legal formulation of the term 'in need of care' is highly complex.
Adjective used within a specific terminological context.
Inwieweit sind pflegebedürftige Menschen in politische Entscheidungsprozesse eingebunden?
To what extent are people in need of care involved in political decision-making processes?
Complex interrogative structure.
Die Ökonomisierung des Sektors betrifft pflegebedürftige Patienten unmittelbar.
The economization of the sector directly affects patients in need of care.
Direct object in the accusative case.
Man diskutiert über die ethischen Implikationen der Telemedizin für pflegebedürftige Senioren.
The ethical implications of telemedicine for seniors in need of care are being discussed.
Prepositional object with 'für'.
Die Prävention kann dazu beitragen, dass Menschen erst später pflegebedürftig werden.
Prevention can contribute to people becoming in need of care only at a later stage.
Subordinate clause with 'dass'.
Die biographische Arbeit mit pflegebedürftigen Demenzpatienten ist sehr wertvoll.
Biographical work with dementia patients in need of care is very valuable.
Dative plural adjective.
Es gilt, die Autonomie pflegebedürftiger Menschen so weit wie möglich zu wahren.
It is essential to preserve the autonomy of people in need of care as much as possible.
Fixed expression 'Es gilt, ... zu'.
Die Angehörigen pflegebedürftiger Personen bedürfen selbst oft der Unterstützung.
The relatives of people in need of care often require support themselves.
Genitive plural adjective; use of 'bedürfen' which takes the genitive.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— In the event of needing care. Often used in insurance policies.
Die Versicherung zahlt im Falle der Pflegebedürftigkeit.
— To make someone in need of care. Used for causes like illness or accidents.
Die Krankheit hat ihn pflegebedürftig gemacht.
— To be considered/regarded as in need of care.
Ab wann gilt man offiziell als pflegebedürftig?
— To be classified as in need of care (by authorities).
Sie wurde in Pflegegrad 3 eingestuft.
— Support for those in need of care.
Wir fordern mehr Unterstützung für Pflegebedürftige.
— To care for those in need of care at home.
Die meisten Menschen möchten ihre Pflegebedürftigen zu Hause versorgen.
— Rights of people in need of care.
Wir müssen die Rechte von Pflegebedürftigen stärken.
— Number of people in need of care.
Die Anzahl der Pflegebedürftigen steigt stetig.
— In need of care for life.
Er wird wahrscheinlich auf Lebenszeit pflegebedürftig bleiben.
— Dignified treatment of those in need of care.
Ein würdevoller Umgang mit Pflegebedürftigen ist essenziell.
よく混同される語
Krank means sick (can be temporary). Pflegebedürftig is a long-term need for nursing care.
Hilfsbedürftig is general (needing any help). Pflegebedürftig is specific to nursing/daily tasks.
Behindert means disabled. A disabled person might be pflegebedürftig, but not necessarily.
慣用句と表現
— To help someone out. Often used when someone is starting to become pflegebedürftig.
Wir müssen Opa jetzt öfter unter die Arme greifen.
informal— To be dependent on outside help. A common way to describe pflegebedürftig.
Er ist im Alltag auf fremde Hilfe angewiesen.
neutral— To no longer be in control of one's senses. Often leads to being pflegebedürftig.
Der alte Mann ist leider nicht mehr Herr seiner Sinne.
neutral— To help someone get by. Used for daily assistance.
Die Nachbarn helfen ihr jeden Tag über die Runden.
informal— To be a shadow of one's former self. Used for severe decline.
Seit der Krankheit ist er nur noch ein Schatten seiner selbst.
neutral— To be bedridden. A common state for the pflegebedürftig.
Sie ist seit Monaten an das Bett gefesselt.
neutral— To be a burden to someone. A common fear of those becoming pflegebedürftig.
Ich möchte meinen Kindern nicht zur Last fallen.
neutral— In good times and bad. Often used regarding caring for a spouse.
Sie pflegt ihn zu Hause, in guten wie in schlechten Tagen.
neutral— To spend the twilight years of one's life.
Er möchte seinen Lebensabend trotz Pflegebedürftigkeit zu Hause verbringen.
neutral— To work hand in hand. Used for care teams.
Pflegekräfte und Angehörige müssen Hand in Hand arbeiten.
neutral間違えやすい
Both describe weak/elderly people.
Gebrechlich is a physical description of frailty; pflegebedürftig is a functional/legal status of needing care.
Er ist zwar gebrechlich, aber noch nicht pflegebedürftig.
Both imply needing help.
Betreuungsbedürftig often refers to psychological or cognitive supervision (e.g., dementia), while pflegebedürftig focuses on physical care.
Demente Menschen sind oft mehr betreuungsbedürftig als pflegebedürftig.
It's the root word.
Bedürftig alone usually means 'poor' or 'in need of financial aid'.
Er ist arm und bedürftig.
Both mean not independent.
Unselbstständig can be used for children or people who can't make decisions; pflegebedürftig is specifically about care needs.
Kleine Kinder sind von Natur aus unselbstständig.
Both describe a state of decline.
Hinfällig is more literary and suggests a state of collapsing or being very infirm.
Im Alter wurde sein Körper zunehmend hinfällig.
文型パターン
Jemand ist pflegebedürftig.
Mein Opa ist pflegebedürftig.
Jemand wird pflegebedürftig.
Er wurde nach dem Unfall pflegebedürftig.
Ein pflegebedürftiger [Nomen]...
Ein pflegebedürftiger Senior braucht Hilfe.
Die Zahl der Pflegebedürftigen...
Die Zahl der Pflegebedürftigen steigt.
Jemand gilt als pflegebedürftig.
Sie gilt offiziell als pflegebedürftig.
Aufgrund von Pflegebedürftigkeit...
Aufgrund von Pflegebedürftigkeit zog er ins Heim.
Unterstützung für pflegebedürftige Angehörige...
Er sucht Unterstützung für pflegebedürftige Angehörige.
Die rechtliche Definition von pflegebedürftig...
Die rechtliche Definition von pflegebedürftig wurde angepasst.
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
使い方
High in healthcare, social news, and aging-related discussions.
-
Ich bin pflegebedürftig (when you have a cold).
→
Ich bin krank / Ich habe eine Erkältung.
Pflegebedürftig is for long-term, serious needs, not temporary sickness.
-
Der Mann ist ein pflegebedürftig.
→
Der Mann ist pflegebedürftig (adj) or Der Mann ist ein Pflegebedürftiger (noun).
You cannot use the adjective form directly as a noun without the proper ending.
-
Sie braucht pflegebedürftig.
→
Sie ist pflegebedürftig / Sie braucht Pflege.
Pflegebedürftig is an adjective, not a noun. You 'are' pflegebedürftig, you don't 'need' it.
-
Die pflegebedürftig Leute.
→
Die pflegebedürftigen Leute.
Missing the adjective ending '-en' for plural with a definite article.
-
Er ist hilfsbedürftig (when he needs a nurse).
→
Er ist pflegebedürftig.
While 'hilfsbedürftig' is okay, 'pflegebedürftig' is the more accurate medical/social term.
ヒント
Nominalization
Remember to capitalize 'Pflegebedürftige' when using it as a noun. Example: 'Die Pflegebedürftigen brauchen unsere Hilfe.' This is a very common way to refer to the group as a whole.
Compound Clues
Any time you see '-bedürftig' at the end of a word, it means 'in need of'. This will help you decipher many other German adjectives like 'hilfsbedürftig' or 'schutzbedürftig'.
Pflegeversicherung
Understanding this word is key to understanding the German social system. It's one of the five pillars of social insurance that every worker pays into.
Soft Ending
The 'ig' at the end of 'pflegebedürftig' is pronounced like a soft 'ich' in standard German (Hochdeutsch). Practicing this will make you sound more like a native.
Don't Overuse
Only use this word for serious, long-term conditions. Using it for a simple cold or a small injury sounds exaggerated and incorrect.
Adjective Endings
Pay close attention to adjective endings. Because the word is so long, learners often forget to add the '-en' or '-er' at the very end. 'Ein pflegebedürftigER Mann' (not just 'pflegebedürftig').
Context Clues
If you hear words like 'Heim', 'Krankenschwester', or 'Versicherung', be on the lookout for 'pflegebedürftig'. They almost always appear together.
Word Family
Learn 'pflegen' (verb) and 'die Pflege' (noun) together with 'pflegebedürftig'. Building this word family makes it much easier to remember the meaning.
Respectful Tone
Use this word when you want to be precise and respectful. It acknowledges the person's needs without being patronizing.
B1/B2 Level
This is a high-frequency word for B1 and B2 German exams, especially in the 'Health' or 'Society' modules. Make sure you can use it in a short presentation.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of 'Pflege' as 'Fleeing' from illness towards 'Care', and 'Bedürftig' as 'Being Dirty' (someone who can't wash themselves needs help/is bedürftig). Or simply: 'Please (Pflege) help the needy (bedürftig)'.
視覚的連想
Imagine an old grandfather clock that has stopped ticking and needs a professional to fix it and wind it up every day. The clock is 'pflegebedürftig'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to write a short paragraph about a fictional character who becomes pflegebedürftig. Use the word in three different cases (nominative, accusative, dative).
語源
The word is a compound of 'Pflege' and 'bedürftig'. 'Pflege' comes from the Old High German 'plegan', meaning 'to vouch for' or 'to take care of'. 'Bedürftig' is derived from 'Bedarf' (need), coming from the Middle High German 'bedurft'.
元の意味： Originally, it referred to someone who was in a state of needing basic sustenance or protection.
Germanic.文化的な背景
Be careful when using this word directly to someone's face; it can feel very clinical. It is better used when discussing a situation with doctors or family members.
In English, we often say someone 'needs care' or is 'dependent'. We don't have one single long adjective that is used as officially as 'pflegebedürftig'.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
At the Doctor / Hospital
- Ist der Patient pflegebedürftig?
- Wir brauchen eine Einstufung.
- Er ist schwer pflegebedürftig.
- Entlassung in die Pflege.
Insurance / Bureaucracy
- Antrag auf Pflegeleistungen.
- Als pflegebedürftig anerkannt werden.
- Pflegegrad 2 erhalten.
- Die Pflegeversicherung informiert.
Family Conversations
- Wie geht es Oma?
- Sie ist jetzt pflegebedürftig.
- Wer pflegt sie zu Hause?
- Wir müssen ein Heim suchen.
Workplace / HR
- Ich brauche Pflegezeit.
- Mein Vater ist pflegebedürftig geworden.
- Kann ich meine Stunden reduzieren?
- Pflege eines Angehörigen.
News / Politics
- Anstieg der Pflegebedürftigen.
- Reform der Pflegeversicherung.
- Kosten für Pflegebedürftige.
- Pflegenotstand in Deutschland.
会話のきっかけ
"Wissen Sie, wie man einen Antrag stellt, wenn jemand pflegebedürftig wird?"
"Haben Sie in Ihrer Familie jemanden, der pflegebedürftig ist?"
"Was denken Sie über die steigende Zahl der Pflegebedürftigen in unserer Gesellschaft?"
"Ist es besser, pflegebedürftige Menschen zu Hause oder im Heim zu betreuen?"
"Welche Unterstützung brauchen pflegebedürftige Menschen am meisten?"
日記のテーマ
Beschreiben Sie, wie sich das Leben ändert, wenn ein Familienmitglied plötzlich pflegebedürftig wird.
Was bedeutet 'Würde' im Zusammenhang mit pflegebedürftigen Menschen für Sie?
Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie arbeiten in einem Pflegeheim. Wie sieht Ihr Alltag mit pflegebedürftigen Bewohnern aus?
Reflektieren Sie über das deutsche System der Pflegeversicherung. Ist es gerecht für die Pflegebedürftigen?
Wie möchten Sie selbst einmal versorgt werden, falls Sie im Alter pflegebedürftig werden sollten?
よくある質問
10 問'Krank' means you have an illness, which could be a short-term cold or a long-term condition. 'Pflegebedürftig' means you specifically need help with daily tasks like washing, eating, or moving for at least six months. You can be sick without being pflegebedürftig.
Yes, it is the standard, neutral, and respectful term used by professionals and families. It is much better than older, more negative words like 'siech' or 'gebrechlich' when talking about someone's official status.
It is 'Pflegeheim'. The word 'Pflege' in 'Pflegeheim' is the same root as in 'pflegebedürftig'.
Yes. While it is most common among the elderly, a young person can become pflegebedürftig due to a severe accident, a chronic illness, or a disability.
These are 'care levels' (1 to 5) used in Germany to determine how much support a pflegebedürftig person needs. Level 1 is the lowest, and Level 5 is the highest (most severe).
It follows standard adjective rules. For example: 'der pflegebedürftige Mann' (nominative), 'eines pflegebedürftigen Mannes' (genitive), 'mit einem pflegebedürftigen Mann' (dative).
Yes, 'die Pflegebedürftigkeit' is the abstract noun for the state of needing care. You can also use 'der/die Pflegebedürftige' to mean 'the person in need of care'.
It means 'severely in need of care'. This usually corresponds to a high Pflegegrad (4 or 5) and means the person needs help around the clock.
Usually no, because a broken leg is temporary. 'Pflegebedürftig' implies a long-term need (usually 6+ months). For a broken leg, you would just say 'Ich brauche vorübergehend Hilfe'.
The closest equivalents are 'in need of care', 'dependent', or 'requiring long-term nursing care'.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write a sentence about an elderly relative who needs care.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 'krank' and 'pflegebedürftig' in German.
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Write a short letter to an insurance company asking for an assessment of a family member.
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Describe the challenges of caring for a pflegebedürftig person at home.
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What is your opinion on the 'Pflegenotstand' in Germany?
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Write five sentences using different adjective endings for 'pflegebedürftig'.
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Discuss the pros and cons of nursing homes vs. home care.
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Describe a fictional character who is pflegebedürftig.
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Write a dialogue between a doctor and a daughter about her pflegebedürftig father.
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How has the definition of 'pflegebedürftig' changed in Germany?
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Summarize a news article about the rising number of people in need of care.
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Write a poem or short story about aging and needing help.
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Explain the role of 'Pflegeversicherung' for someone who doesn't know Germany.
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What does 'würdevolle Pflege' mean to you?
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Describe a day in the life of a 'Pflegekraft'.
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Write a complaint about the quality of care in a facility.
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Explain the concept of 'Pflegegrade'.
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How can technology help pflegebedürftige people?
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Write a formal report on the social impact of an aging population.
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Describe how you would prepare for your own old age.
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Describe a person you know who needs help. Use the word 'pflegebedürftig'.
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Talk about the pros and cons of living in a nursing home.
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Explain the German 'Pflegeversicherung' to a friend.
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Discuss the 'Pflegenotstand' and suggest solutions.
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Roleplay: You are a doctor explaining to a family that their mother is now pflegebedürftig.
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Give a short presentation on demographic change in your country.
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How do you think care for the elderly will change in the next 20 years?
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What would you do if a relative suddenly became pflegebedürftig?
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Discuss the importance of 'Menschenwürde' in nursing.
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Describe the tasks of a nurse for a pflegebedürftig patient.
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Talk about your own fears or plans for when you get old.
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Explain the term 'Pflegegrad' to a non-German speaker.
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Debate: Should children be legally required to care for their pflegebedürftig parents?
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How does your culture treat people who are pflegebedürftig?
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Practice the pronunciation of 'pflegebedürftig' ten times.
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Tell a story about someone who recovered from being pflegebedürftig.
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Discuss the impact of robot technology in elder care.
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Roleplay: You are applying for a job in a nursing home.
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How do you say 'in need of care' in your native language?
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Summarize the main points of a text about care insurance.
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Listen to a dialogue. Why does the woman need help?
Listen to a news report. How many people in Germany are pflegebedürftig?
Listen to a doctor's explanation. What is the difference between Grade 2 and 3?
Listen to a podcast about the 'Pflegenotstand'. What are the workers' complaints?
Listen to a family meeting. Who will take care of the grandfather?
Listen to a commercial for an insurance company. What benefits do they offer?
Listen to a lecture on sociology. How is 'care' defined?
Listen to a phone call to a nursing home. What questions does the caller ask?
Listen to an interview with a 'Pflegekraft'. Why did they choose this job?
Identify the word 'pflegebedürftig' in a series of fast-paced sentences.
Listen to a radio debate about funding for care. What are the two main opinions?
Listen to instructions on how to fill out a care application.
Listen to a story about a 'Senioren-WG'. How do they help each other?
Listen to a poem. What is the emotional tone?
Listen to a weather report vs. a health report. Which one uses 'pflegebedürftig'?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'pflegebedürftig' is the standard German term for 'in need of long-term care'. It is used in medical, legal, and family contexts to describe individuals who require help with basic daily tasks. Example: 'Mein Großvater ist leider pflegebedürftig geworden und braucht nun tägliche Unterstützung.'
- Pflegebedürftig describes someone who cannot live independently and requires ongoing nursing or personal care due to health conditions or advanced age.
- It is a formal term in the German healthcare system, essential for accessing insurance benefits and determining the 'Pflegegrad' (care level).
- Grammatically, it is an adjective that can be nominalized (e.g., 'der Pflegebedürftige') to refer to a person needing care.
- It is more specific than 'krank' (sick) and implies a long-term or permanent state rather than a temporary illness.
Nominalization
Remember to capitalize 'Pflegebedürftige' when using it as a noun. Example: 'Die Pflegebedürftigen brauchen unsere Hilfe.' This is a very common way to refer to the group as a whole.
Compound Clues
Any time you see '-bedürftig' at the end of a word, it means 'in need of'. This will help you decipher many other German adjectives like 'hilfsbedürftig' or 'schutzbedürftig'.
Pflegeversicherung
Understanding this word is key to understanding the German social system. It's one of the five pillars of social insurance that every worker pays into.
Soft Ending
The 'ig' at the end of 'pflegebedürftig' is pronounced like a soft 'ich' in standard German (Hochdeutsch). Practicing this will make you sound more like a native.
例文
Nach dem Sturz war die alte Dame pflegebedürftig.
関連コンテンツ
familyの関連語
Abstammung
B1家系や血統は、その人の家族のルーツを意味します。
adoptieren
B1子供を養子にすることは、法的に自分の子供として迎えることです。
adoptiert
B1養子になった：法的に実の親ではない親によって自分の子供として引き取られた。彼は養子です。彼女は子供の頃に養子になりました。
Adoption
B1養子縁組（Adoption）とは、血縁関係のない子供を法的に自分の子供にすることです。
Adoptiveltern
A2養父母とは、法的な手続きを経て、自分の実子ではない子供を家族として迎え入れた親のことです。
Adoptivkind
A2養子は、血縁関係のない親によって法的に自分の子供として迎え入れられた子供です。
Ahn
B1「Ahn」は先祖を意味し、特に歴史的または詩的な文脈で使われます。
Ahne
B1祖先、先祖。
ähneln
B1人や物が外見や性質がよく似ていること。
Ahnen
B1「Ahnen」は先祖や祖先を意味する言葉です。
