1. For the purposes of this Directive, the following definitions apply:

(a) "paternity leave" means leave from work for fathers or, where and insofar as recognised by national law, for equivalent second parents, on the occasion of the birth of a child for the purposes of providing care;

(b) "parental leave" means leave from work for parents on the grounds of the birth or adoption of a child to take care of that child;

(c) "carers' leave" means leave from work for workers in order to provide personal care or support to a relative, or to a person who lives in the same household as the worker, and who is in need of significant care or support for a serious medical reason, as defined by each Member State;

(d) "carer" means a worker providing personal care or support to a relative, or to a person who lives in the same household as the worker, and who is in need of significant care or support for a serious medical reason, as defined by each Member State;

(e) "relative" means a worker's son, daughter, mother, father, spouse or, where such partnerships are recognised by national law, partner in civil partnership;