Meaning
To assert a right or title to something.
Cultural Background
In Germany, 'Anspruchsdenken' (a mentality of entitlement) is a common social critique. While 'Anspruch erheben' is a neutral legal term, 'zu viele Ansprüche haben' is seen negatively. Austrian bureaucracy is famously formal. Using 'Anspruch erheben' in official letters to authorities (Ämter) is expected and shows you understand the 'Amtsdeutsch' (officialese). In Swiss direct democracy, citizens often 'Anspruch erheben' regarding communal resources or local political decisions through formal initiatives. The German Civil Code (BGB) is the foundation of this phrase. Paragraph 194 BGB defines 'Anspruch' as the right to demand an action or omission from another.
The 'Auf' Rule
Always remember that 'auf' is the only preposition that works here. Don't use 'für' or 'zu'.
Don't be too casual
Using this at a dinner table ('Ich erhebe Anspruch auf die letzte Kartoffel') is funny but technically 'over-formal'.
Meaning
To assert a right or title to something.
The 'Auf' Rule
Always remember that 'auf' is the only preposition that works here. Don't use 'für' or 'zu'.
Don't be too casual
Using this at a dinner table ('Ich erhebe Anspruch auf die letzte Kartoffel') is funny but technically 'over-formal'.
Business Writing
Use this in emails when you are discussing responsibilities or budgets to sound more authoritative.
Test Yourself
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Präposition und dem richtigen Artikel.
Er erhebt Anspruch ______ ______ (das) Erbe.
The phrase is 'Anspruch erheben auf' + Accusative. 'Erbe' is neuter, so 'das' remains 'das' in the accusative.
Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig?
Wählen Sie die richtige Form von 'erheben'.
'erheben' is a strong verb; its past participle is 'erhoben'.
Verbinden Sie die Situation mit dem passenden Satz.
Situationen und Sätze:
All these are typical contexts for the phrase.
Vervollständigen Sie den Dialog.
A: Hat schon jemand ______ auf das gefundene Handy ______? B: Nein, bisher hat sich niemand gemeldet.
The standard collocation is 'Anspruch erheben'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEr erhebt Anspruch ______ ______ (das) Erbe.
The phrase is 'Anspruch erheben auf' + Accusative. 'Erbe' is neuter, so 'das' remains 'das' in the accusative.
Wählen Sie die richtige Form von 'erheben'.
'erheben' is a strong verb; its past participle is 'erhoben'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these are typical contexts for the phrase.
A: Hat schon jemand ______ auf das gefundene Handy ______? B: Nein, bisher hat sich niemand gemeldet.
The standard collocation is 'Anspruch erheben'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's also used for professional positions, titles, and even metaphorical rights like 'Anspruch auf Wahrheit'.
Yes, adding the indefinite article 'einen' is common and correct.
'Beanspruchen' is a single verb and slightly less formal. 'Anspruch erheben' is more official.
Yes, 'auf' in this specific collocation always triggers the accusative case.
Yes, especially if you have a reservation, but it sounds very formal.
The opposite would be 'auf einen Anspruch verzichten' (to waive a claim).
Rarely. It's mostly found in news, work, and legal situations.
You say: 'Ich erhebe Anspruch auf meine Rechte.'
Yes, it is always {der|m} Anspruch.
Yes, 'Anspruch auf Urheberschaft erheben' is the standard phrase for that.
Related Phrases
Anspruch haben auf
similarTo have a right to something
einen Anspruch geltend machen
synonymTo enforce a claim
Ansprüche stellen
contrastTo be demanding
etwas beanspruchen
similarTo claim something
auf sein Recht pochen
similarTo insist on one's right
