En 15 secondes
- Actively support a cause or person.
- Implies taking a stand and advocating.
- Use for beliefs, rights, or important issues.
- More than just agreeing; it's about action.
Signification
Cela signifie soutenir activement une cause, une personne ou une idée. C'est comme se mettre en avant pour protéger ou promouvoir quelque chose quand cela compte le plus.
Exemples clés
3 sur 12Texting a friend about a local issue
Ich trete für den Erhalt des Parks ein, wir müssen was tun!
I'm standing up for the preservation of the park, we have to do something!
Instagram caption for a protest
Gemeinsam treten wir für Klimagerechtigkeit ein. #KlimaProtest #OurFuture
Together we stand up for climate justice. #ClimateProtest #OurFuture
Job interview - discussing company values
Ich trete stark für Diversität und Inklusion am Arbeitsplatz ein.
I strongly stand up for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is central to the 'Erinnerungskultur' (culture of remembrance). It is often used when discussing how citizens should have 'eingetreten für' their Jewish neighbors during the Nazi era. In the context of direct democracy, 'eintreten für' is used frequently in voting brochures (Abstimmungsbüchlein) to explain why a committee supports a specific initiative. Similar to Germany, but often heard in the context of 'Sozialpartnerschaft' (social partnership) between employers and employees. Modern German companies use this in their 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR) statements to sound principled and ethical.
Use it in exams
Using 'eintreten für' instead of 'helfen' or 'gut finden' in a B2/C1 exam will immediately boost your vocabulary score.
Check the case!
Always double-check that the noun after 'für' is in the accusative case. It's the most common error.
En 15 secondes
- Actively support a cause or person.
- Implies taking a stand and advocating.
- Use for beliefs, rights, or important issues.
- More than just agreeing; it's about action.
What It Means
Eintreten für isn't just about showing up; it's about showing up with conviction. It means to advocate, to champion, or to stand up for something or someone. You're not passively observing; you're actively participating. It carries a sense of commitment and belief. It's like being a lawyer for your chosen cause. You're presenting the case for why it matters.
How To Use It
Use eintreten für when you want to express strong support. It works for ideas, principles, people, or even groups. You can für (for) a political party, für (for) animal rights, or für (for) a friend in need. The verb eintreten implies a step taken, a commitment made. It suggests you're joining a cause or defending it. It's more than just liking a post; it's about taking action. You might eintreten for your colleagues' fair treatment. Or eintreten for environmental protection policies.
Real-Life Examples
- On social media, someone might post: "Ich trete für eine bessere Bildung für alle ein!" (I stand up for better education for all!). That's a clear call to action.
- In a meeting, a manager could say: "Ich trete für flexible Arbeitszeiten ein, um die Work-Life-Balance zu verbessern." (I stand up for flexible working hours to improve work-life balance.). They're advocating for a policy change.
- A friend might tell you: "Du musst für deine Rechte eintreten, wenn sie dich schlecht behandeln." (You have to stand up for your rights if they treat you badly.). This is personal advocacy.
When To Use It
Use eintreten für when you feel passionate about something. It's perfect for expressing conviction in discussions. Use it in speeches, debates, or when writing opinion pieces. It shows you're willing to be vocal. You can use it in formal settings like political rallies. It's also great in informal chats with friends about important issues. Think about causes you care about deeply. Do you eintreten for them? Maybe you eintreten for your favorite indie band's music. Or eintreten for the local bakery staying open.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use eintreten für for trivial matters. Saying "Ich trete für meinen Kaffee ein" (I stand up for my coffee) sounds weird. Unless maybe you're defending its honor in a coffee-tasting competition! It's too strong for simple preferences. Avoid it when you're just agreeing casually. If your friend says, "Pizza is great," you don't eintreten für pizza. You might just say, "Ja, stimmt!" (Yes, true!). It's not for everyday, casual agreements. It implies a deeper level of support. It’s not for joining a club physically, that’s beitreten.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse eintreten für with similar-sounding verbs. They might use betreten (to enter a place) or eintreten (to join, like a club). Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Remember, it's always für (for).
- ✗ Ich trete für die Partei ein. (Incorrect, sounds like you are physically entering the party building).
- ✓ Ich trete für die Partei ein. (Correct, meaning you support the party).
- ✗ Ich betrete für meine Rechte. (Incorrect,
betretenmeans to step on or enter a physical space). - ✓ Ich trete für meine Rechte ein. (Correct, meaning you stand up for your rights).
- ✗ Ich trete mit meine Meinung. (Incorrect preposition).
- ✓ Ich trete für meine Meinung ein. (Correct,
füris the required preposition).
Similar Expressions
sich einsetzen für: Very similar, often interchangeable. Means to commit oneself to something. It emphasizes the effort and dedication involved.unterstützen: To support. More general, can be financial or moral. Less about active advocacy, more about backing.befürworten: To advocate for, to endorse. Often used in more formal contexts for proposals or ideas.verteidigen: To defend. Used when something is under attack. Youverteidigensomeone or something being criticized.
Common Variations
für etwas eintreten: The standard form. Example:Ich trete für Umweltschutz ein.(I stand up for environmental protection.)für jemanden eintreten: Used when supporting a person. Example:Der Anwalt tritt für seinen Mandanten ein.(The lawyer stands up for his client.)für eine Idee eintreten: Supporting an abstract concept. Example:Sie tritt für die Idee der Gleichheit ein.(She stands up for the idea of equality.)für eine Sache eintreten: Similar to 'idea', but often implies a more active cause. Example:Er tritt für die Rechte der Tiere ein.(He stands up for animal rights.)
Memory Trick
Imagine a knight (Ritter) stepping forward (eintreten) to defend a castle (für). The knight is embracing the cause and entering the fray für the king! Or think of it like a referee stepping onto the field (eintreten) für fair play.
Quick FAQ
- Is
eintreten fürformal or informal?
It can be both! Its formality depends on the context and what you're standing up for. You might hear it in serious political debates or casual chats about fairness.
- Can I use
eintreten fürfor myself?
Yes, you can eintreten für your own rights or opinions. It shows self-advocacy and confidence. For example, Ich trete für meine Gehaltserhöhung ein. (I am standing up for my salary increase.)
- What's the difference between
eintreten fürandunterstützen?
Eintreten für is more active and vocal. It's about advocacy and taking a stand. Unterstützen is broader; it can mean providing help, resources, or just moral backing without necessarily being a public champion.
Notes d'usage
This phrase carries a sense of conviction and active participation. It's generally neutral in formality but becomes more pronounced in serious or passionate contexts. Avoid using it for trivial matters or simple agreements, as it implies a deeper level of commitment and advocacy.
Use it in exams
Using 'eintreten für' instead of 'helfen' or 'gut finden' in a B2/C1 exam will immediately boost your vocabulary score.
Check the case!
Always double-check that the noun after 'für' is in the accusative case. It's the most common error.
Zivilcourage
If you talk about 'Zivilcourage' in Germany, you MUST use this verb. They are inseparable concepts.
Separable verb rule
Remember: 'Ich trete ein', but 'Ich möchte eintreten'. The prefix moves only in simple tenses.
Exemples
12Ich trete für den Erhalt des Parks ein, wir müssen was tun!
I'm standing up for the preservation of the park, we have to do something!
Shows strong personal commitment to a local cause.
Gemeinsam treten wir für Klimagerechtigkeit ein. #KlimaProtest #OurFuture
Together we stand up for climate justice. #ClimateProtest #OurFuture
Used to rally support and express solidarity publicly.
Ich trete stark für Diversität und Inklusion am Arbeitsplatz ein.
I strongly stand up for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Demonstrates professional advocacy for important workplace principles.
In dieser Debatte werde ich für die Einführung von vier Arbeitstagen eintreten.
In this debate, I will advocate for the introduction of a four-day work week.
Clearly states the position being argued for in a structured debate.
Der Film hat mir gefallen, aber ich trete nicht dafür ein, dass jeder ihn sehen muss.
I liked the movie, but I'm not going to stand up for everyone having to see it.
Shows the phrase's strength; it's too much for a simple recommendation.
Hey, ich trete für dich ein, wenn der Chef fragt, warum die Deadline verrutscht ist.
Hey, I'll cover for you / stand up for you if the boss asks why the deadline slipped.
Offers personal support and defense in a tricky situation.
✗ Ich betrete für meine Meinung. → ✓ Ich trete für meine Meinung ein.
✗ I step into for my opinion. → ✓ I stand up for my opinion.
`betreten` means to enter a physical space, not advocate.
✗ Ich trete wegen meiner Kollegen ein. → ✓ Ich trete für meine Kollegen ein.
✗ I step in because of my colleagues. → ✓ I stand up for my colleagues.
The preposition `für` is essential for indicating what or who you support.
Genau das! Wir müssen für unsere Rechte eintreten, Leute!
Exactly that! We have to stand up for our rights, people!
Urgent call to action in a trending context.
Heute trete ich für die Tiere im Tierheim ein, indem ich helfe.
Today I'm standing up for the animals at the shelter by helping out.
Connects the phrase to concrete actions supporting a cause.
Ich kann nicht schweigen, ich muss für meine Überzeugungen eintreten.
I cannot remain silent, I must stand up for my convictions.
Highlights the moral imperative behind the phrase.
Sehr geehrte/r Frau/Herr [Name], ich schreibe Ihnen, um für die geplante Umweltschutzmaßnahme einzutreten.
Dear Ms./Mr. [Name], I am writing to you to advocate for the planned environmental protection measure.
Formal advocacy in written communication.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition and article (Accusative).
Die Politikerin tritt ______ ______ (der Umweltschutz) ein.
'Eintreten für' takes the accusative. 'Umweltschutz' is masculine, so 'den'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct perfect tense form:
'Eintreten' uses 'sein' as an auxiliary and the past participle is 'eingetreten'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'eintreten für'.
A: Warum hast du dem Chef nicht widersprochen? B: Ich wollte nicht alleine ______ ______ ______ ______.
In the infinitive with 'wollte', the verb goes to the end.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. 'Die Versicherung tritt für {den|m} Schaden ein.' 2. 'Ich trete für {die|f} Freiheit ein.'
'Schaden' refers to liability, 'Freiheit' to a value.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Eintreten vs. Einsetzen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDie Politikerin tritt ______ ______ (der Umweltschutz) ein.
'Eintreten für' takes the accusative. 'Umweltschutz' is masculine, so 'den'.
Select the correct perfect tense form:
'Eintreten' uses 'sein' as an auxiliary and the past participle is 'eingetreten'.
A: Warum hast du dem Chef nicht widersprochen? B: Ich wollte nicht alleine ______ ______ ______ ______.
In the infinitive with 'wollte', the verb goes to the end.
1. 'Die Versicherung tritt für {den|m} Schaden ein.' 2. 'Ich trete für {die|f} Freiheit ein.'
'Schaden' refers to liability, 'Freiheit' to a value.
🎉 Score : /4
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, but it's more active. 'Support' can be passive (like liking a post), but 'eintreten für' implies you are speaking up or taking a stand.
Not really. For sports, use 'Fan sein von' or 'unterstützen'. 'Eintreten für' is too serious for sports.
Präteritum: 'trat ein'. Perfekt: 'ist eingetreten'. Example: 'Er trat für mich ein.'
Yes! It means to take a stand against something. 'Wir treten gegen Rassismus ein.'
Yes, very often. Especially when defending a budget, a colleague, or a corporate value.
Because 'eintreten' is a verb of movement (stepping), and even in its figurative sense, it keeps the 'sein' auxiliary.
Yes, 'eintreten für' sounds more like a public declaration or a matter of high principle.
Yes, 'für Tierschutz eintreten' is very common.
No, 'eintreten' alone can mean 'to enter' or 'to occur' (e.g., 'Der Tod trat ein'). The 'für' is what makes it 'advocate'.
Das Eintreten (neuter). Example: 'Sein Eintreten für {die|f} Armen war bekannt.'
Extremely common. You will hear it in almost every political report on the Tagesschau.
Yes, 'für sich selbst eintreten' means to stand up for yourself.
Rarely. It's too formal. You might say it if you're defending your partner against your parents, though!
It's considered a B2 level phrase because of the separable prefix, strong verb conjugation, and nuanced figurative meaning.
Expressions liées
sich einsetzen für
similarto work/strive for something
plädieren für
similarto plead for
kämpfen für
builds onto fight for
unterstützen
synonymto support
eintreten gegen
contrastto oppose something
verfechten
specialized formto champion/defend a theory
