sichern

Sichern is a German verb with several related meanings connected to protection, stabilization, and preservation. In its core sense it means to secure or fasten something to prevent movement, loss, or damage, as in die Tür sichern (to secure the door) or den Gegenstand sichern (to fasten the item). The sense of guaranteeing or ensuring is another common use, for example eine Position, einen Anspruch oder einen Sieg sichern (to secure a position, a claim, or a victory).

A further important sense is preserving or backing up information. In information technology and daily computing, Daten sichern means to back up data, and eine Datensicherung refers to a backup copy or safeguard against data loss. The verb is also used with reflexive or quasi-idiomatic forms such as sich absichern, meaning to hedge or insure oneself against risk, for instance by taking precautionary measures before making a decision.

Sicherung as a noun covers several related concepts. Sicherheits- und Absicherungsmaßnahmen refer to protective measures, and die Sicherung can denote a fuse in electrical installations, a safety device designed to interrupt a circuit. In a financial or contractual context, Sicherung can mean collateral, security, or guarantee that protects a claim or obligation. The term is closely related to Sicherheit, which denotes general safety or certainty, while Sicherung emphasizes concrete measures or mechanisms that ensure safety, protection, or preservation.

Usage notes: Sicherung typically governs concrete objects or instead of abstract guarantees, depending on context. The preferred noun for the broader concept of safety is Sicherheit, while Sicherung emphasizes specific protections, backups, or devices.