In 15 Seconds
- To actively support or advocate for a specific proposal or idea.
- Used for professional, political, or serious personal decisions.
- Stronger and more official than simply saying you like something.
Meaning
It means you are officially 'for' something or supporting an idea, plan, or proposal. It is like giving your stamp of approval or saying, 'Yes, I think this is a good way to go.'
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Ich befürworte Ihren Vorschlag zur Kostensenkung.
I advocate for your proposal to reduce costs.
Discussing city planning
Viele Bürger befürworten den Bau des neuen Parks.
Many citizens support the construction of the new park.
Texting a friend about a serious group decision
Ich befürworte die Reise nach Japan, das ist eine super Idee!
I'm all for the trip to Japan, that's a great idea!
Cultural Background
In German politics, 'Befürworter' are often contrasted with 'Bedenkenträger' (people who have concerns). This reflects a culture of deep debate before action. Due to direct democracy, 'befürworten' is a keyword in voting brochures (Abstimmungsbüchlein) where the government explains why they support a specific initiative. Similar to Germany, but often used in the context of 'Sozialpartnerschaft' (social partnership) between unions and employers. Using 'befürworten' in a meeting signals that you are taking a 'Sachliche' (objective) stance, which is highly valued in German business culture.
Use it in Writing
In B2/C1 exams, use 'befürworten' instead of 'gut finden' to instantly boost your score for 'Range of Vocabulary'.
No 'für'!
Never say 'befürworten für'. It's a common trap because of the 'für' inside the word.
In 15 Seconds
- To actively support or advocate for a specific proposal or idea.
- Used for professional, political, or serious personal decisions.
- Stronger and more official than simply saying you like something.
What It Means
Befürworten is that moment you stand behind an idea. It is more than just liking something. You are actively supporting a suggestion or a person's plan. Think of it as being an advocate. You are putting your verbal weight behind a choice.
How To Use It
Use it when someone asks for your opinion on a change. It usually takes a direct object. You befürworten a proposal or a new law. It sounds polished and clear. Use it to show you have a firm stance. It is not for pizza toppings. It is for decisions that matter.
When To Use It
Use it in meetings when a colleague suggests a new strategy. It is perfect for writing emails to your local council. You can use it when discussing politics with friends. It works well when you need to sound professional. Use it to show you are a team player who supports good ideas.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, personal preferences. You do not befürworten a movie or a flavor of ice cream. That would sound like you are a government official at a sundae shop. Avoid it in very messy arguments. It is too structured for a heated shouting match. Stick to mögen or gut finden for casual likes.
Cultural Background
Germans value clear, direct communication in professional settings. Befürworten provides a precise way to express support without being overly emotional. It reflects a culture that appreciates formal consensus. It suggests you have thought about the topic. It is the language of someone who takes their civic or professional duty seriously.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more official, try unterstützen. For a more personal touch, say ich bin dafür. If you are the one being supported, you are the Befürwortete. The person doing the supporting is a Befürworter. These words help you navigate any debate with grace. Use them to build bridges in your next German conversation.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in written German, news, and professional meetings. It is a 'high-frequency' word for B2 learners who want to express opinions precisely.
Use it in Writing
In B2/C1 exams, use 'befürworten' instead of 'gut finden' to instantly boost your score for 'Range of Vocabulary'.
No 'für'!
Never say 'befürworten für'. It's a common trap because of the 'für' inside the word.
The Passive Trick
Use 'Es wird befürwortet, dass...' to sound like a professional report writer.
Consensus is Key
Germans value 'Befürwortung' from experts. If you can cite an expert who 'befürwortet' your idea, you win the argument.
Examples
6Ich befürworte Ihren Vorschlag zur Kostensenkung.
I advocate for your proposal to reduce costs.
Shows professional agreement with a plan.
Viele Bürger befürworten den Bau des neuen Parks.
Many citizens support the construction of the new park.
Commonly used in news and civic contexts.
Ich befürworte die Reise nach Japan, das ist eine super Idee!
I'm all for the trip to Japan, that's a great idea!
Slightly elevated but works for big group plans.
Ich befürworte die Einführung einer dritten Kaffeemaschine!
I advocate for the introduction of a third coffee machine!
Using a formal word for a minor thing creates a funny effect.
Ich befürworte deine Entscheidung, den Job zu kündigen.
I support your decision to quit the job.
Shows you stand by their serious life choice.
Wir befürworten eine Renovierung des Treppenhauses.
We advocate for a renovation of the stairwell.
Perfect for formal requests and documentation.
Test Yourself
Wähle die richtige Form von 'befürworten' oder 'Befürworter'.
Die meisten Experten _______ eine Reform des Schulsystems.
The subject 'Experten' is plural, so the verb must be 'befürworten'.
Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig?
A: Ich befürworte für den neuen Park. B: Ich befürworte den neuen Park. C: Ich befürworte zu dem neuen Park.
'Befürworten' takes a direct Accusative object without a preposition.
In welcher Situation ist 'befürworten' angemessen?
1. Du magst Schokoladeneis. 2. Du bist Politiker und findest ein Gesetz gut. 3. Dein Freund weint.
'Befürworten' is for formal/political support of ideas, not personal tastes or emotional support.
Vervollständige das Gespräch.
Chef: 'Was halten Sie von der neuen Strategie?' - Mitarbeiter: 'Ich _______ sie, weil sie Kosten spart.'
The first-person singular form is 'befürworte'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Befürworten vs. Unterstützen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDie meisten Experten _______ eine Reform des Schulsystems.
The subject 'Experten' is plural, so the verb must be 'befürworten'.
A: Ich befürworte für den neuen Park. B: Ich befürworte den neuen Park. C: Ich befürworte zu dem neuen Park.
'Befürworten' takes a direct Accusative object without a preposition.
1. Du magst Schokoladeneis. 2. Du bist Politiker und findest ein Gesetz gut. 3. Dein Freund weint.
'Befürworten' is for formal/political support of ideas, not personal tastes or emotional support.
Chef: 'Was halten Sie von der neuen Strategie?' - Mitarbeiter: 'Ich _______ sie, weil sie Kosten spart.'
The first-person singular form is 'befürworte'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's used in business, academia, and any formal decision-making process.
Usually, you befürworte their *application* or *appointment*, not the person themselves. For a person, use 'unterstützen'.
The most direct opposite is 'ablehnen' (to reject) or 'missbilligen' (to disapprove).
Both are correct. 'Das' is slightly more emphatic.
Only if you are a nutritionist making a formal recommendation. Otherwise, it's too formal.
Use '{der|m} Befürworter' or '{die|f} Befürworterin'.
No, 'be-' is an inseparable prefix. It stays attached.
No, it always takes the Accusative case.
Only if you are being ironic or talking about something very serious with a colleague.
'Zustimmen' is to agree with a statement. 'Befürworten' is to support a plan or action.
It's common in formal documents, like 'ein Schreiben zur Befürwortung'.
Yes, 'Ich befürworte diesen {der|m} Ansatz' is a strong way to state your position.
Related Phrases
unterstützen
similarto support
gutheißen
synonymto approve
ablehnen
contrastto reject
beipflichten
similarto agree with
propagieren
specialized formto propagate/promote
