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B1 verb #2,000 most common 8 min read

sorgen für

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sorgen für in 30 Seconds
Explanation sorgen für in your Level:
At the A1 level, you learn 'sorgen für' as a way to talk about basic needs and family. You use it to say who is responsible for things like food, water, or pets. It is a 'Vorsorge' (provision) verb. You should remember that 'für' is the partner word. For example: 'Ich sorge für den Hund.' (I take care of/provide for the dog). It is one of the first verbs where you see a fixed preposition. At this stage, don't worry about the complex meanings; just think of it as 'making sure something is there'. It helps you describe your role in a family or a small group. You might hear it in simple stories or when someone explains their daily routine. The most important thing to remember is that 'für' always needs the 'den/die/das' (Accusative) form. If you say 'Ich sorge für mein Kind,' you are using A1 level German perfectly. It shows you are taking an active role in helping someone or something.
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At the A2 level, you start to use 'sorgen für' in more varied contexts, such as work or planning events. You might say, 'Wer sorgt für die Getränke bei der Party?' (Who is providing the drinks at the party?). You also learn to use it in the past tense (Perfekt): 'Er hat für alles gesorgt.' (He took care of everything). This level requires you to distinguish between 'sorgen für' and 'besorgen' (to go and get). You also begin to see abstract nouns like 'Ordnung' (order) or 'Ruhe' (quiet). 'Bitte sorgen Sie für Ruhe' is a common phrase you might hear in a library or a classroom. You are moving beyond just physical objects to ensuring conditions or environments. You should also be comfortable with the word order in simple subordinate clauses, like 'Ich bin froh, dass du für das Essen sorgst.' This level builds your confidence in using the verb to organize tasks and describe responsibilities in a social or professional setting.
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At the B1 level, 'sorgen für' becomes a versatile tool for describing cause and effect. You use it to talk about social issues, work responsibilities, and news. For example, 'Die neue Regelung sorgt für Diskussionen' (The new regulation is causing discussions). You understand the difference between 'sorgen für' (to provide/ensure) and 'sich sorgen um' (to worry about). This is a critical distinction at B1. You also use it to describe professional duties: 'In meinem Job sorge ich für die Sicherheit der Daten.' (In my job, I ensure the security of the data). You are expected to use it with a wider range of abstract nouns like 'Gerechtigkeit' (justice), 'Klarheit' (clarity), or 'Stimmung' (atmosphere). Your sentences become more complex, using modal verbs and different tenses fluently. You might also encounter it in more formal letters or emails, where you 'für eine schnelle Erledigung sorgen' (ensure a quick completion). It is a key verb for the B1 exam when describing pictures or discussing social problems.
At the B2 level, you use 'sorgen für' with nuance and precision. You understand its role in 'Funktionsverbgefüge' (verb-noun combinations) and idiomatic expressions. You might use it to describe market trends: 'Die hohe Nachfrage sorgt für steigende Preise.' (High demand is causing rising prices). You can use it to express more complex causal relationships in academic or professional discussions. You also recognize when 'sorgen für' is used to create a specific rhetorical effect, such as 'für Furore sorgen' (to cause a sensation). At this level, you are expected to choose between 'sorgen für', 'gewährleisten', and 'sicherstellen' based on the required level of formality. You use it in the passive voice or with 'zu + infinitive' constructions: 'Es ist dafür zu sorgen, dass...' (It must be ensured that...). Your vocabulary of collocations is much larger, including phrases like 'für Ausgleich sorgen' (to provide balance) or 'für Entlastung sorgen' (to provide relief).
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At the C1 level, 'sorgen für' is used in highly sophisticated contexts, often in journalism, literature, or high-level business strategy. You use it to describe subtle shifts in public opinion or complex systemic effects. For example, 'Die Reform sorgt für eine weitreichende Umgestaltung der Bildungslandschaft.' (The reform is causing a far-reaching transformation of the educational landscape). You are aware of the stylistic weight the verb carries and can use it to link abstract concepts seamlessly. You might use it in the subjunctive (Konjunktiv) to discuss hypothetical scenarios: 'Eine Senkung der Steuern würde für mehr Investitionen sorgen.' (A reduction in taxes would ensure more investments). You also master its use in complex sentence structures where the 'dafür' (pronominal adverb) is used to introduce a 'dass-Satz': 'Wir müssen dafür sorgen, dass die personellen Ressourcen effizient genutzt werden.' This level of mastery allows you to use the verb not just for communication, but for precise argumentation and stylistic flair.
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At the C2 level, your use of 'sorgen für' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use it in philosophical, legal, or highly technical discourses. You might encounter it in classical literature or complex legal codes where 'für jemanden Sorge tragen' (a more formal variant) or 'sorgen für' defines legal guardianship or state responsibilities. You understand the historical development of the word and its relationship to the concept of 'Sorge' (care/concern) in German philosophy (like Heidegger's 'Sorge'). You can use the verb to describe very specific, nuanced outcomes: 'Die minimalistische Ästhetik sorgt für eine beinahe sakrale Atmosphäre.' (The minimalist aesthetic ensures an almost sacral atmosphere). You are comfortable using it in all registers, from the most colloquial to the most elevated. Your ability to pair it with rare or highly specific nouns shows a deep immersion in the language. You use 'sorgen für' as a precise instrument to describe the mechanics of cause, responsibility, and provision in the most complex scenarios.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sorgen für in 30 Seconds

  • Sorgen für means to provide, ensure, or take care of something actively.
  • It always uses the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative case.
  • It is different from 'sich sorgen um', which means to worry emotionally.
  • Commonly used for providing food, ensuring order, or causing a reaction.

The German verbal phrase sorgen für is a cornerstone of daily communication, representing the act of taking responsibility, providing necessities, or ensuring that a specific state of affairs is maintained. Unlike the reflexive 'sich sorgen um' (to worry about), sorgen für is active and objective. It implies an action taken to achieve a result. Whether you are a parent providing for a child, a technician ensuring a machine runs smoothly, or a host making sure there is enough food, you are 'sorging für' something or someone. This verb captures the essence of German 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness) and 'Verantwortung' (responsibility).

Active Provision
Actively making sure that something is available or present, such as food, money, or resources.
Maintenance of Order
Ensuring that a specific condition like peace, quiet, or cleanliness is upheld in a given environment.
Causality
Acting as the catalyst or reason for a specific reaction, such as 'sorgen für Aufsehen' (to cause a stir).

"Die Eltern sorgen für ihre Kinder, indem sie ihnen ein sicheres Zuhause bieten." (The parents provide for their children by offering them a safe home.)

"Der neue Film sorgte für viel Gesprächsstoff in der Stadt." (The new movie caused a lot of conversation in the city.)

"Bitte sorgen Sie für Ruhe während der Prüfung." (Please ensure silence during the exam.)

"Technik-Teams sorgen für einen reibungslosen Ablauf der Veranstaltung." (Technical teams ensure a smooth process for the event.)

"Die Sonne sorgt für gute Laune bei den Spaziergängern." (The sun provides a good mood for the walkers.)

In a professional context, 'sorgen für' is ubiquitous. It appears in job descriptions ('sorgt für die Einhaltung von Sicherheitsstandards'), in project management ('sorgt für die Einhaltung der Termine'), and in customer service ('sorgt für die Zufriedenheit der Kunden'). It is a verb of agency. When you use it, you are stating that an action is being taken to produce a specific, necessary outcome. It is less about the feeling of care and more about the logistical or functional execution of care. In more formal German, it can also describe things that cause emotions or public reactions, moving from a physical provision to a metaphorical one. For example, a scandal 'sorgt für Schlagzeilen' (causes headlines). This versatility makes it one of the most useful verbs to master at the B1 level and beyond, as it bridges the gap between simple daily chores and complex professional responsibilities.

Using sorgen für correctly requires attention to two main things: the preposition 'für' and the lack of a reflexive pronoun (unless you mean 'worry', which is a different construction). The structure is: Subject + sorgen (conjugated) + für + Accusative Object.

1. Conjugation Patterns

As a weak (regular) verb, it follows standard patterns:

  • Präsens: ich sorge, du sorgst, er/sie/es sorgt...
  • Präteritum: ich sorgte, du sorgtest...
  • Perfekt: hat gesorgt

2. The Accusative Requirement

The preposition 'für' always takes the accusative. This is crucial for masculine nouns: 'Ich sorge für den Hund' (not 'dem Hund'). For feminine, neuter, and plural, the form remains the same as the nominative, but the grammatical function is accusative.

3. Word Order in Sentences

In a main clause, the verb takes the second position: 'Der Gastgeber sorgt immer für Getränke.' In a subordinate clause, the verb moves to the end: 'Es ist wichtig, dass wir für Sicherheit sorgen.' When using modal verbs, 'sorgen' goes to the end in its infinitive form: 'Wir müssen für Ordnung sorgen.'

4. Abstract vs. Concrete Usage

You can provide concrete things (food, money, tools) or abstract things (peace, clarity, excitement). Sorgen für handles both with ease. For example, 'Die Musik sorgt für eine entspannte Atmosphäre' (The music ensures a relaxed atmosphere) uses the verb to describe the creation of an emotional state.

5. Common Collocations

Certain nouns are frequently paired with this verb: Ordnung (order), Ruhe (quiet), Sicherheit (safety), Nachwuchs (offspring/new talent), Aufsehen (a stir/sensation), and Verwirrung (confusion). Learning these as chunks will significantly improve your fluency.

You will encounter sorgen für in almost every facet of German life, from the domestic sphere to the highest levels of government and media. Its frequency is due to its utility in describing responsibility.

In the Household

Parents often say, 'Ich sorge für das Essen,' or 'Wer sorgt für den Hund, wenn wir im Urlaub sind?' It defines the division of labor within a family or shared living space. It’s about the 'who' behind the 'what'.

In the Workplace

This is perhaps where the verb is most common. Managers 'sorgen für' a productive environment. IT departments 'sorgen für' the security of the network. HR 'sorgen für' die Zufriedenheit der Mitarbeiter. If you are describing your job duties in an interview, you will likely use this phrase multiple times to explain what you are responsible for maintaining or providing.

In the News and Media

Journalists love this verb because it links a cause to an effect. 'Der Streik sorgt für Verspätungen' (The strike is causing delays). 'Die neue Steuer sorgt für Proteste' (The new tax is causing protests). It is a neutral way to describe how one event leads to a specific outcome or public reaction.

In Legal and Official Documents

Contracts often specify who 'für die Kosten sorgt' (who pays/provides for the costs). Laws are designed to 'für Gerechtigkeit sorgen' (ensure justice). It carries a weight of obligation and legal duty in these contexts.

In Social Settings

When planning a party, someone might ask, 'Wer sorgt für die Musik?' or 'Sorgst du für die Getränke?' It is the standard way to assign tasks and ensure that all necessary components of an event are covered.

The most frequent errors with sorgen für involve confusion with similar-looking verbs or incorrect prepositional usage. Because 'sorgen' is the root of several expressions, it is easy to mix them up.

1. Confusing 'sorgen für' with 'sich sorgen um'

This is the #1 mistake.
• Sorgen für + Acc: To provide/ensure (Active).
• Sich sorgen um + Acc: To worry about (Emotional/Reflexive).
Wrong: 'Ich sorge für meine Oma, weil sie krank ist.' (This means you provide for her, which might be true, but if you mean you are worried about her health, you must say: 'Ich sorge mich um meine Oma.')

2. Using the Dative Case

Because 'für' is an accusative-only preposition, using the dative is a common grammatical slip.
Wrong: 'Er sorgt für seinem Bruder.'
Right: 'Er sorgt für seinen Bruder.'

3. Overusing it for 'Take Care of'

While 'sorgen für' means to take care of, it often implies providing resources. If you mean 'to look after' a person in a physical or medical sense, 'sich kümmern um' or 'pflegen' is often more natural. 'Sorgen für' sounds a bit more like financial or logistical provision.

4. Forgetting the 'für'

In English, we 'provide something.' In German, you cannot just say 'Ich sorge das Essen.' The 'für' is mandatory to link the verb to the object of provision.

5. Confusing with 'besorgen'

'Besorgen' means to go out and get/buy something. 'Sorgen für' means to ensure it is there. If you need to buy milk, you 'besorgst' the milk. If you are the person responsible for the milk always being in the fridge, you 'sorgst für' the milk.

German has several verbs that overlap with sorgen für. Understanding the nuances between them will help you choose the most precise word for your context.

1. Sich kümmern um (+ Acc)

This is the most common synonym. It is more personal and often implies a hands-on approach. While 'sorgen für' might mean paying for a child's school, 'sich kümmern um' means helping them with their homework. Use 'kümmern' for social and personal tasks.

2. Gewährleisten

This is a formal, often technical or legal term meaning 'to guarantee' or 'to ensure'. You see this in manuals or business contracts. 'Wir gewährleisten die Sicherheit' is a stronger, more official version of 'Wir sorgen für Sicherheit'.

3. Sicherstellen

Similar to 'gewährleisten', this means 'to make sure' or 'to secure'. It is often used in project management. 'Bitte stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Fenster geschlossen sind' is more specific than 'Sorgen Sie für geschlossene Fenster'.

4. Verursachen

When 'sorgen für' is used in the sense of 'causing' something (like a stir or confusion), 'verursachen' is a direct synonym. However, 'verursachen' is usually used for negative things (causing an accident, causing damage), whereas 'sorgen für' can be neutral or positive.

5. Unterhalten

In the sense of 'providing for' a family or maintaining a building, 'unterhalten' can be used. It specifically refers to the financial or physical upkeep over a long period.

6. Bereitstellen

This means 'to provide' or 'to make available' in a more literal, physical sense. 'Wir stellen die Werkzeuge bereit' means the tools are physically put there for use.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Prepositions with Accusative

Pronominal Adverbs (dafür)

Verb-Preposition Collocations

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

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Examples by Level

1

Ich sorge für das Brot.

I provide the bread.

Simple present, 'das Brot' is neuter accusative.

2

Wer sorgt für den Hund?

Who takes care of the dog?

Interrogative, 'den Hund' is masculine accusative.

3

Meine Mutter sorgt für mich.

My mother provides for me.

Personal pronoun 'mich' is accusative.

4

Wir sorgen für Wasser.

We provide water.

Simple plural subject.

5

Sorgst du für die Blumen?

Are you taking care of the flowers?

Question form, 'die Blumen' is plural accusative.

6

Er sorgt für das Baby.

He takes care of the baby.

Third person singular.

7

Sie sorgen für gute Musik.

They provide good music.

Adjective 'gute' follows accusative plural rules.

8

Ich muss für meine Katze sorgen.

I must take care of my cat.

Modal verb 'müssen' + infinitive 'sorgen' at the end.

1

Er hat für die Getränke gesorgt.

He took care of the drinks.

Perfekt tense with 'hat gesorgt'.

2

Wir sorgen für Ordnung im Haus.

We ensure order in the house.

Abstract noun 'Ordnung'.

3

Sorgen Sie bitte für Ruhe!

Please ensure quiet!

Imperative form (Sie-form).

4

Die Sonne sorgt für Wärme.

The sun provides warmth.

Inanimate subject causing a state.

5

Wer hat für das Ticket gesorgt?

Who took care of the ticket?

Perfekt tense question.

6

Ich sorge für ein sauberes Auto.

I ensure a clean car.

Adjective ending '-es' for neuter accusative.

7

Sie sorgen für ihre alten Eltern.

They provide for their elderly parents.

Possessive pronoun 'ihre' in plural accusative.

8

Können Sie für Hilfe sorgen?

Can you provide help?

Modal verb 'können'.

1

Die neue Regel sorgt für viel Kritik.

The new rule is causing a lot of criticism.

Causative usage with abstract noun.

2

Ich sorge dafür, dass wir pünktlich sind.

I make sure that we are on time.

Pronominal adverb 'dafür' + 'dass' clause.

3

Der Film sorgt für eine gute Stimmung.

The movie provides a good atmosphere.

Describing an emotional state.

4

Wir müssen für mehr Sicherheit sorgen.

We must ensure more safety.

Comparative 'mehr' with abstract noun.

5

Sein Verhalten sorgt für Probleme.

His behavior is causing problems.

Subject is an abstract concept (behavior).

6

Sorgen Sie für eine klare Antwort.

Ensure a clear answer.

Imperative with adjective 'klare'.

7

Die Firma sorgt für die Weiterbildung.

The company provides for further training.

Professional context.

8

Wer sorgt für den reibungslosen Ablauf?

Who ensures the smooth process?

Common professional collocation.

1

Die Reform sorgt für eine Entlastung der Bürger.

The reform provides relief for the citizens.

Genitive 'der Bürger' following the noun 'Entlastung'.

2

Das Gesetz sorgt für mehr Gerechtigkeit.

The law ensures more justice.

Formal/Legal context.

3

Seine Rede sorgte für großes Aufsehen.

His speech caused a great sensation.

Idiomatic 'für Aufsehen sorgen'.

4

Wir müssen für die Einhaltung der Regeln sorgen.

We must ensure compliance with the rules.

Noun 'Einhaltung' (compliance).

5

Die Nachricht sorgte für allgemeine Verwirrung.

The news caused general confusion.

Adjective 'allgemeine' (general).

6

Sorgen Sie bitte für ausreichende Belüftung.

Please ensure adequate ventilation.

Technical instruction.

7

Das Projekt sorgt für neue Arbeitsplätze.

The project is creating new jobs.

Economic context.

8

Sie sorgt für den Unterhalt ihrer Familie.

She provides for the maintenance/living of her family.

Specific noun 'Unterhalt'.

1

Die Sparmaßnahmen sorgen für sozialen Zündstoff.

The austerity measures are providing social tinder (potential for conflict).

Metaphorical usage 'Zündstoff'.

2

Es ist dafür zu sorgen, dass kein Unbefugter Zutritt hat.

It must be ensured that no unauthorized person has access.

'sein + zu + infinitive' (passive meaning).

3

Die Entdeckung sorgt für eine Sensation in der Fachwelt.

The discovery is causing a sensation in the professional world.

Academic context.

4

Seine Arroganz sorgt für eine frostige Atmosphäre.

His arrogance ensures a frosty atmosphere.

Nuanced emotional description.

5

Die Automatisierung sorgt für eine Effizienzsteigerung.

Automation is ensuring an increase in efficiency.

Compound noun 'Effizienzsteigerung'.

6

Der Skandal sorgte für einen massiven Imageverlust.

The scandal caused a massive loss of image.

Business/PR context.

7

Wir müssen für einen Interessenausgleich sorgen.

We must ensure a balance of interests.

Political/Diplomatic term.

8

Das neue Design sorgt für eine intuitive Bedienung.

The new design ensures intuitive operation.

Product design context.

1

Die philosophische Abhandlung sorgt für eine Neubewertung des Begriffs.

The philosophical treatise is causing a re-evaluation of the term.

Highly academic context.

2

Die Regierung muss für die Wahrung der Menschenrechte sorgen.

The government must ensure the preservation of human rights.

Legal/State responsibility.

3

Diese Entscheidung sorgt für einen Präzedenzfall.

This decision is creating a precedent.

Legal terminology.

4

Die subtile Ironie sorgt für eine tiefere Bedeutungsebene.

The subtle irony ensures a deeper level of meaning.

Literary analysis.

5

Es gilt, für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung zu sorgen.

It is necessary to ensure sustainable development.

'Es gilt... zu' construction.

6

Die demografische Entwicklung sorgt für weitreichende Konsequenzen.

Demographic development is causing far-reaching consequences.

Sociological context.

7

Die Architektur sorgt für ein Gefühl der Erhabenheit.

The architecture ensures a feeling of sublimity.

Aesthetic/Philosophical context.

8

Der Autor sorgt für eine Dekonstruktion tradierter Mythen.

The author ensures a deconstruction of traditional myths.

High-level literary criticism.

Common Collocations

für Ordnung sorgen
für Ruhe sorgen
für Sicherheit sorgen
für Aufsehen sorgen
für Nachwuchs sorgen
für Verwirrung sorgen
für Klarheit sorgen
für Stimmung sorgen
für den Unterhalt sorgen
für Ersatz sorgen

Common Phrases

Ich sorge dafür.
Dafür ist gesorgt.
Wer sorgt für das Essen?
Sorgen Sie für Ruhe!
Für Ordnung sorgen.
Für Überraschungen sorgen.
Für Gesprächsstoff sorgen.
Für Schlagzeilen sorgen.
Für Entspannung sorgen.
Für Gerechtigkeit sorgen.

Often Confused With

sorgen für vs sich sorgen um

sorgen für vs besorgen

sorgen für vs versorgen

Idioms & Expressions

"für klare Verhältnisse sorgen"
"für frischen Wind sorgen"
"für rote Köpfe sorgen"
"für Furore sorgen"
"für Zündstoff sorgen"
"für Ordnung in den eigenen Reihen sorgen"
"für ein Donnerwetter sorgen"
"für ein Aha-Erlebnis sorgen"
"für dicke Luft sorgen"
"für einen Paukenschlag sorgen"

Easily Confused

sorgen für vs

sorgen für vs

sorgen für vs

sorgen für vs

sorgen für vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

dafür

Used when the object is a whole action/clause.

passive

Often used as 'Es ist für ... gesorgt' (Everything is taken care of).

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'sich' with 'sorgen für'.
  • Using the dative case after 'für'.
  • Confusing it with 'sich sorgen um' (worry).
  • Omitting the preposition 'für' entirely.
  • Using 'sorgen für' when 'besorgen' (to buy) is meant.

Tips

Case Check

Always double-check masculine nouns after 'für'. It's 'den Tisch', not 'der Tisch'.

Chunking

Learn 'für Ruhe sorgen' as one unit so you don't have to think about the grammar.

Delegation

Use this verb when you want to assign responsibility in a group project.

Cause and Effect

Use it in essays to link a policy to its social outcome.

News Keywords

When you hear 'sorgt für' on the news, get ready for the 'result' of the story.

Workplace

Use it in your CV to describe things you managed or ensured.

German Values

Understand that 'sorgen für' implies a serious commitment to responsibility.

Worry vs. Provide

If you feel an emotion, use 'um'. If you do an action, use 'für'.

Formal Alternatives

In C1/C2, try 'Sorge tragen für' for an even more elevated tone.

Daily Life

Every time you do a chore, say 'Ich sorge für [Chore]' to practice.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

The high cultural value of 'order' often uses this verb in public signage.

The German concept of the state providing essential services like water, electricity, and transport.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Wer sorgt bei euch zu Hause für das Kochen?"

"Wie sorgt man am besten für eine gute Stimmung auf einer Party?"

"Sorgt die aktuelle Politik für genug Sicherheit?"

"Was sorgt bei dir immer für gute Laune?"

"Wer sorgt in deinem Team für die Organisation?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du für Ordnung sorgen musstest.

Wofür sorgst du in deinem Beruf oder Studium?

Was sorgt in deiner Stadt oft für Diskussionen?

Wie sorgst du für deine eigene Gesundheit?

Schreibe über jemanden, der immer für andere sorgt.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be neutral or negative, like 'sorgen für Unruhe' (causing unrest).

Yes, it means you provide for him (money, food), but if you mean you worry about him, use 'sich sorgen um'.

'Gewährleisten' is more formal and often used in technical or legal contexts to mean 'guarantee'.

Yes, 'für' is strictly an accusative preposition in German.

You can say 'Ich sorge dafür' or 'Ich kümmere mich darum'.

Yes, 'Ich sorge für meinen Hund' is common for providing food and care.

Yes, 'Er hat für alles gesorgt' is a very common way to say someone handled everything.

It means to cause a sensation or to attract a lot of public attention.

Yes, e.g., 'Wir müssen für Sicherheit sorgen'.

No, 'sorgen für' is not reflexive. 'Sich sorgen um' is reflexive.

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