En 15 segundos
- A versatile verb for providing help, backing, or resources.
- Non-separable verb that works in both formal and casual settings.
- Implies a deeper level of commitment than the simple verb 'helfen'.
Significado
This word is your go-to for helping someone out, whether you're lending a hand with heavy boxes or backing a friend's big idea. It covers everything from physical assistance to emotional or financial support.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Texting a friend about a move
Ich unterstütze dich gerne beim Umzug am Samstag!
I'm happy to help you with the move on Saturday!
In a professional meeting
Wir unterstützen Ihren Vorschlag voll und ganz.
We support your proposal completely.
Emotional support for a partner
Danke, dass du mich in dieser schweren Zeit unterstützt.
Thank you for supporting me during this difficult time.
Contexto cultural
The 'Solidaritätszuschlag' (Solidarity Surcharge) is a tax used to 'unterstützen' the development of the eastern states of Germany after reunification. In Austria, 'Nachbarschaftshilfe' (neighborly help) is a strong cultural tradition where people 'unterstützen' each other with farming or building without expecting money. Direct democracy in Switzerland means citizens 'unterstützen' specific initiatives or laws through frequent referendums. In German tech hubs like Berlin, 'Support' is often used as a loanword, but 'unterstützen' remains the standard for official funding and grants.
The 'Bei' Rule
Always use 'bei' + Dative to specify the activity. 'Ich unterstütze dich *beim* (bei dem) Lernen.'
Case Alert
Don't let 'helfen' trick you! 'Unterstützen' needs the Accusative. It's 'dich', not 'dir'.
En 15 segundos
- A versatile verb for providing help, backing, or resources.
- Non-separable verb that works in both formal and casual settings.
- Implies a deeper level of commitment than the simple verb 'helfen'.
What It Means
Unterstützen is the Swiss Army knife of 'support.' It means giving someone the help they need to succeed. It is broader than just 'helping.' It implies you are standing behind someone. You provide the foundation they need. It can be physical, like moving a sofa. It can be abstract, like supporting a political cause. It can even be financial, like a scholarship.
How To Use It
You use it as a regular verb. It takes the accusative case. This means the person or thing you help is the direct object. For example, Ich unterstütze dich (I support you). It is a non-separable verb. Don't let that unter- prefix fool you. You don't split it up. Just conjugate the ending. It feels active and intentional. You aren't just watching; you are involved.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound reliable. It’s perfect for the workplace. Tell your boss you unterstützen the new project. Use it with friends during tough times. It shows you have their back. It is great for charities too. If you give money to save bees, you unterstützen them. It works whenever 'help' feels a bit too small for the situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, accidental favors. If you hold a door open, don't say you are unterstützen. That is just helfen. Don't use it for 'supporting' a physical weight like a pillar does. For that, Germans often use tragen or stützen. Also, avoid it if you are just 'rooting' for a sports team. While you can 'support' a club, usually you feuern them an (cheer them on).
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Solidarität' (solidarity). Supporting others is seen as a civic duty. There is a strong culture of 'Vereine' (clubs). People unterstützen their local choir or fire department. It’s not just about being nice. It’s about keeping the community strong. If you say you will unterstützen someone, they will take you seriously. It’s a word of commitment.
Common Variations
The noun form is die Unterstützung. You will hear Vielen Dank für deine Unterstützung a lot. It sounds a bit more polished than a simple thanks. There is also finanzielle Unterstützung for money matters. If you want to sound extra supportive, try tatkräftig unterstützen. This means you are really rolling up your sleeves to help.
Notas de uso
The verb is incredibly versatile and safe to use in any situation from a text message to a legal document. Just remember it is inseparable and requires the accusative case.
The 'Bei' Rule
Always use 'bei' + Dative to specify the activity. 'Ich unterstütze dich *beim* (bei dem) Lernen.'
Case Alert
Don't let 'helfen' trick you! 'Unterstützen' needs the Accusative. It's 'dich', not 'dir'.
Job Interviews
Use this verb to sound professional. Instead of saying 'I helped', say 'I supported the team in achieving X'.
Ejemplos
6Ich unterstütze dich gerne beim Umzug am Samstag!
I'm happy to help you with the move on Saturday!
Shows active physical help in a casual context.
Wir unterstützen Ihren Vorschlag voll und ganz.
We support your proposal completely.
Professional way to show agreement and backing.
Danke, dass du mich in dieser schweren Zeit unterstützt.
Thank you for supporting me during this difficult time.
Deeply personal and emotional use.
Könntest du mich beim Biertrinken unterstützen?
Could you support me in drinking this beer?
Playful use of a serious word for a trivial task.
Sie unterstützen seit Jahren eine Umweltschutzorganisation.
They have been supporting an environmental organization for years.
Refers to consistent financial or active backing.
Gerne unterstützen wir Sie bei der Planung Ihres Events.
We would be happy to assist you with the planning of your event.
Polite and service-oriented.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of 'unterstützen' and the correct pronoun.
Meine {die|f} Freunde ______ ______ (me) beim {der|m} Umzug.
The subject is plural (Freunde), so we use 'unterstützen'. The verb takes the Accusative case, so 'me' becomes 'mich'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) Ich unterstütze dir bei der Arbeit. B) Ich unterstütze dich bei der Arbeit. C) Ich stütze dich unter bei der Arbeit.
'Unterstützen' takes the Accusative (dich) and is inseparable.
Match the type of support to the sentence.
1. Finanziell, 2. Moralisch, 3. Praktisch --- A) Ich helfe dir beim {das|n} Putzen. B) Ich gebe dir Geld für die {die|f} Miete. C) Ich glaube an dich!
Money is financial, belief is moral, and cleaning is practical.
Complete the dialogue.
Chef: 'Können Sie Herrn Müller bei dem {das|n} Projekt ______?' - Angestellter: 'Ja, ich ______ ihn gerne.'
In a professional context, 'unterstützen' is the most appropriate verb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMeine {die|f} Freunde ______ ______ (me) beim {der|m} Umzug.
The subject is plural (Freunde), so we use 'unterstützen'. The verb takes the Accusative case, so 'me' becomes 'mich'.
A) Ich unterstütze dir bei der Arbeit. B) Ich unterstütze dich bei der Arbeit. C) Ich stütze dich unter bei der Arbeit.
'Unterstützen' takes the Accusative (dich) and is inseparable.
1. Finanziell, 2. Moralisch, 3. Praktisch --- A) Ich helfe dir beim {das|n} Putzen. B) Ich gebe dir Geld für die {die|f} Miete. C) Ich glaube an dich!
Money is financial, belief is moral, and cleaning is practical.
Chef: 'Können Sie Herrn Müller bei dem {das|n} Projekt ______?' - Angestellter: 'Ja, ich ______ ihn gerne.'
In a professional context, 'unterstützen' is the most appropriate verb.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, in the sense of 'to support', it is always inseparable. You never move the 'unter' to the end of the sentence.
Yes, but it's rare in modern speech. You might say a pillar supports a balcony, but usually, we use it for people and ideas.
'Unterstützen' is general help or backing. 'Fördern' is specifically about promoting growth, like a scholarship for a talented student.
It always takes 'haben'. Example: 'Ich habe ihn unterstützt.'
Yes, 'seine {die|f} Familie unterstützen' means providing for them financially.
Frases relacionadas
jemandem beistehen
similarTo stand by someone during a difficult time.
fördern
specialized formTo promote or further the development of something.
assistieren
specialized formTo assist in a formal or technical role.
Hilfe leisten
synonymTo provide aid.
