gepflegt

Gepflegt is a German adjective formed from the verb pflegen (to care for, maintain). It describes something that has received regular care or upkeep, resulting in a condition that appears orderly, well maintained, and presentable. The term can refer to physical objects, spaces, or more abstract qualities such as appearance or behavior.

In everyday usage, gepflegt covers a wide range of contexts. Physical examples include a gepflegtes Auto, eine gepflegte Wohnung, or ein gepflegter Garten. It can also describe non-physical aspects, such as a gepflegtes Erscheinungsbild (a well-groomed appearance) or gepflegte Umgangsformen (polished manners) and a gepflegter Stil. In horticulture or facility management, it signals that routine care—like cleaning, pruning, repairs, and regular service—has been performed.

Grammatical notes: gepflegt functions as an attributive adjective and inflects according to the article and case. Examples: das gepflegte Auto, ein gepflegter Garten, gepflegte Autos. With a definite article: das gepflegte Auto; with an indefinite article: ein gepflegter Garten; in plural: gepflegte Autos. It can also appear without an article, yielding gepflegtes Auto or gepflegte Gärten, depending on number and case.

In nuance, gepflegt carries a neutral to positive connotation, emphasizing orderliness and care, and is often contrasted with ungepflegt (untended) or verwahrlost (neglected).