En 15 segundos
- Use for official requests like visas, passports, or permits.
- Do not use it for job applications; use 'sich bewerben' instead.
- Implies a formal process involving paperwork or an official decision.
Significado
This is the word you use when you need to officially ask for something from an authority or organization. It is like saying 'I am putting in a formal request' for a document, a permit, or even a vacation.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6At the local government office
Ich möchte einen neuen Reisepass beantragen.
I would like to apply for a new passport.
Talking to a colleague about time off
Hast du deinen Urlaub für den Sommer schon beantragt?
Have you already applied for your summer vacation?
Dealing with university administration
Sie müssen das Stipendium bis Freitag beantragen.
You must apply for the scholarship by Friday.
Contexto cultural
The 'Antrag' is the heart of German life. There is a saying: 'Von der Wiege bis zur Bahre, Formulare, Formulare' (From the cradle to the bier, forms, forms). In Austria, the term 'ansuchen' is often used as a slightly more formal or traditional synonym for 'beantragen' in official contexts. Swiss bureaucracy is highly efficient but equally formal. 'Beantragen' is used for the many permits required for residents (Bewilligungen). Modern Germans now use 'online beantragen' for almost everything, reflecting a shift away from physical paper, though the legal terminology remains the same.
The 'Form' Rule
If there is a PDF or a paper form involved, the verb is almost certainly 'beantragen'.
No 'für'!
Never say 'beantragen für'. It's just 'Ich beantrage [Akkusativ]'.
En 15 segundos
- Use for official requests like visas, passports, or permits.
- Do not use it for job applications; use 'sich bewerben' instead.
- Implies a formal process involving paperwork or an official decision.
What It Means
Beantragen is the heavy lifter of German bureaucracy. It means to apply for something official. Think of it as the 'paperwork' verb. You don't just 'ask' for a passport in Germany. You beantragen it. It implies a process is starting. You fill out a form. You wait for a decision. It is more formal than just wanting something. It is about following the rules to get what you need.
How To Use It
Use it with a direct object. You beantragen a thing. In a sentence, it looks like this: Ich beantrage ein Visum. If you are talking about the past, say Ich habe es beantragt. It is a regular verb. It follows standard patterns. You will often see it at the citizen's office or Bürgeramt. Don't forget the prefix be-. It stays attached to the verb. It does not split like other German verbs. This makes your life much easier!
When To Use It
Use this when dealing with any official body. This includes the government, your bank, or your boss. Use it for credit cards. Use it for a new driver's license. Use it for a residence permit. Even at work, use it for your holiday days. It sounds professional and clear. It shows you understand the system. It is the 'adulting' verb of the German language. Use it when there is a form involved.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use beantragen for a job. For jobs, use sich bewerben. That is a common mistake! Do not use it for a coffee at a cafe. That would be very weird. The waiter would think you are filing a lawsuit. Do not use it for casual favors from friends. 'Can I borrow your pen?' is not a beantragen moment. Keep it for things that require a signature or an official stamp. Using it too casually makes you sound like a robot.
Cultural Background
Germany is famous for its love of order and forms. This word is the heart of that culture. There is a saying: 'Von der Wiege bis zur Bahre, Formulare, Formulare.' This means 'From the cradle to the grave, forms, forms.' Beantragen is how Germans interact with the state. It represents the 'Amt' (office) culture. It is not meant to be cold. It is meant to be fair. Everyone must beantragen the same way. It is the ritual of German organization.
Common Variations
Einen Antrag stellen is the most common variation. It means 'to place an application.' It is even more formal than the verb alone. You might hear beantragt as an adjective, like der beantragte Urlaub (the requested vacation). In legal settings, you might hear beantragen used by lawyers in court. They 'request' a specific judgment. For your daily life, stick to the simple verb form. It gets the job done perfectly.
Notas de uso
This verb is strictly for formal or administrative contexts. While it is used daily in offices, using it in a casual setting like a bar or with family is usually done only for comedic effect.
The 'Form' Rule
If there is a PDF or a paper form involved, the verb is almost certainly 'beantragen'.
No 'für'!
Never say 'beantragen für'. It's just 'Ich beantrage [Akkusativ]'.
Patience is Key
In Germany, once you 'beantragt' something, the processing time (Bearbeitungszeit) can be long. Be prepared to wait!
Ejemplos
6Ich möchte einen neuen Reisepass beantragen.
I would like to apply for a new passport.
A standard, polite way to start your appointment at the Bürgeramt.
Hast du deinen Urlaub für den Sommer schon beantragt?
Have you already applied for your summer vacation?
In German companies, vacation is 'applied for' rather than just 'taken'.
Sie müssen das Stipendium bis Freitag beantragen.
You must apply for the scholarship by Friday.
Used here for a strict deadline in an academic setting.
Ich habe gerade die neue Kreditkarte beantragt. Hoffentlich klappt's!
I just applied for the new credit card. Hopefully it works out!
Common for financial products, even in casual texts.
Ich beantrage hiermit, dass du endlich den Abwasch machst!
I hereby request that you finally do the dishes!
Using formal language for a trivial task creates a funny, sarcastic tone.
Ich muss sofort Arbeitslosengeld beantragen, sonst kann ich die Miete nicht zahlen.
I have to apply for unemployment benefits immediately, otherwise I can't pay the rent.
Shows the high stakes often associated with this verb.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'beantragen' in the present tense.
Ich _______ {einen|m} neuen Reisepass beim Bürgeramt.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb ending is '-e'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct past tense usage.
'Beantragen' is an inseparable verb, so it doesn't take '-ge-' in the past participle.
Match the situation to the correct verb.
You want to get a credit card from your bank.
A credit card requires a formal application and approval process.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du schon Urlaub für Weihnachten _______? B: Nein, das mache ich heute Nachmittag.
The sentence uses the Perfekt tense (hast ... beantragt).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIch _______ {einen|m} neuen Reisepass beim Bürgeramt.
The subject is 'Ich', so the verb ending is '-e'.
Choose the correct past tense usage.
'Beantragen' is an inseparable verb, so it doesn't take '-ge-' in the past participle.
You want to get a credit card from your bank.
A credit card requires a formal application and approval process.
A: Hast du schon Urlaub für Weihnachten _______? B: Nein, das mache ich heute Nachmittag.
The sentence uses the Perfekt tense (hast ... beantragt).
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, use 'sich bewerben um'. 'Beantragen' is for documents or rights.
No, 'be-' is an inseparable prefix. It stays with the verb.
The noun is '{der|m} Antrag'.
No, you only 'beantragen' things like permits, money, or documents.
Ich habe es beantragt.
Yes, lawyers 'beantragen' motions or specific verdicts.
'Beantragen' is a formal request through a system; 'fordern' is a strong demand.
No, it takes a direct Akkusativ object.
Yes, 'Urlaub beantragen' is the standard way to request time off formally.
Yes, especially if you deal with any kind of administration or large company.
Frases relacionadas
einen Antrag stellen
synonymto submit an application
bewilligen
contrastto approve/grant
ablehnen
contrastto reject
anfordern
similarto request/demand
einreichen
builds onto submit
