zuwenden

Zuwenden is a German verb with two primary meanings. In its core sense, it means to turn attention, resources, or effort toward someone or something—i.e., to devote or apply. It can also mean to turn toward a person or object, sometimes indicating a physical or figurative direction of focus. The verb is separable: in present tense, the prefix zu detaches in ordinary clauses (for example, ich wende dem Projekt meine Aufmerksamkeit zu), and in reflexive construction it becomes sich zuwenden (ich wende mich dem Problem zu).

Common construction patterns include:

- jdm. etwas zuwenden: to devote something to someone (Ich wende dem Patientengebiet viel Zeit zu.)

- sich jdm./etwas zuwenden: to turn to or address someone or something (Sie wendet sich dem Thema zu.)

Zuwendung as a noun has several related meanings. Most frequently it refers to a financial grant, subsidy, or donation, especially from the state or an institution (Zuwendungen an Organisationen). In a broader sense it can mean care, attention, or affectionate consideration directed toward someone (eine liebevolle Zuwendung). The plural Zuwendungen is common in bureaucratic and administrative contexts.

Usage notes:

- The verb tends to appear in formal, administrative, or official language, particularly in contexts involving allocation of resources or strategic focus.

- The sense of dedicating attention or effort often pairs with a dative object (to whom the attention is directed) and an accusative object (what is being attended to).

Etymology:

Zuwenden combines zu- (“toward”) with wenden (“to turn”). The related noun Zuwendung derives from the same root, encompassing both the act of turning toward and the resulting attention or support.