In 15 Seconds
- Winning financial aid for your university studies.
- Commonly used with the simple verb 'bekommen'.
- Carries high prestige in German academic circles.
Meaning
This phrase means you've been awarded financial support for your studies or research. It's that exciting moment when an organization decides to pay for your education so you don't have to.
Key Examples
3 of 6Calling your parents with big news
Mama, ich habe endlich ein Stipendium bekommen!
Mom, I finally got a scholarship!
Updating your professional profile
Ich freue mich, dass ich ein Stipendium bekommen habe.
I am happy that I received a scholarship.
Texting a friend about the application
Hast du das Stipendium bekommen?
Did you get the scholarship?
Cultural Background
Scholarships are often provided by 'Begabtenförderungswerke' which look for social engagement, not just grades. There is a 'Studienbeihilfe' which is state-funded and based on social need, often called 'Stipendium' colloquially. Scholarships (Stipendien) are mostly handled by the individual Cantons, leading to 26 different systems. A 'Stipendium' usually covers living costs, as tuition is free, making it a 'luxury' for travel or books.
Use 'erhalten' in CVs
When writing your resume, always use 'Stipendium erhalten' instead of 'bekommen' to sound more professional.
Check the Article
Remember it's DAS Stipendium. Saying 'einen Stipendium' is a very common B1 mistake.
In 15 Seconds
- Winning financial aid for your university studies.
- Commonly used with the simple verb 'bekommen'.
- Carries high prestige in German academic circles.
What It Means
Ein Stipendium bekommen is the ultimate goal for many students. It means you've successfully applied for a grant. This money usually covers your tuition or living costs. In Germany, this isn't just about the cash. It's often about the prestige and the network you join. You aren't just getting money; you're getting a stamp of approval.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like 'to get a scholarship' in English. The verb bekommen is very flexible. You can use it in the past tense: Ich habe ein Stipendium bekommen. You can also use it in the future: Ich werde hoffentlich ein Stipendium bekommen. Just remember to keep Stipendium as a neuter noun (das). It’s a simple, direct way to share big news.
When To Use It
Use this when sharing good news with your family. It’s perfect for your LinkedIn profile or a CV. You can say it during a job interview to show merit. It’s common in academic settings or at the university. If you’re texting a friend about your application results, this is your go-to phrase. It feels celebratory and successful.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for a standard student loan. In Germany, BAföG is the state loan/grant system. That is not a Stipendium. Also, don't use it for a simple discount on a course. A Stipendium implies a formal selection process. If your parents just give you money, that's not a Stipendium either. Keep it for official awards and academic grants.
Cultural Background
Germany has many 'Begabtenförderungswerke' or talent support organizations. Many are linked to political parties or churches. They don't just look at your grades. They care about your social engagement and personality. Getting a Stipendium from the Studienstiftung is a massive honor. It’s a key part of the German academic identity. It suggests you are a high achiever with a social conscience.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, use erhalten. Ein Stipendium erhalten is common in written reports. You might also hear ein Stipendium gewinnen if it was a competition. Some people say stipendiat sein, which means being a scholarship holder. However, bekommen remains the most natural choice for daily conversation. It’s punchy, clear, and easy to remember.
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally understood and safe to use. Just be careful with the neuter gender of 'Stipendium' and use 'erhalten' for high-level formal writing.
Use 'erhalten' in CVs
When writing your resume, always use 'Stipendium erhalten' instead of 'bekommen' to sound more professional.
Check the Article
Remember it's DAS Stipendium. Saying 'einen Stipendium' is a very common B1 mistake.
Don't brag too much
In Germany, getting a scholarship is prestigious, but people usually mention it modestly.
The plural form
The plural is 'Stipendien'. 'Ich habe zwei Stipendien bekommen.'
Examples
6Mama, ich habe endlich ein Stipendium bekommen!
Mom, I finally got a scholarship!
A very common way to share personal success.
Ich freue mich, dass ich ein Stipendium bekommen habe.
I am happy that I received a scholarship.
Standard professional phrasing for social media.
Hast du das Stipendium bekommen?
Did you get the scholarship?
A direct question in a casual setting.
Während meines Masters habe ich ein Stipendium bekommen.
During my Master's, I received a scholarship.
Using the phrase to build credibility.
Ich habe ein Stipendium bekommen... von der Bank von Mama.
I got a scholarship... from the Bank of Mom.
A common joke about parental financial support.
Ich hoffe, dass ich für mein Auslandsjahr ein Stipendium bekomme.
I hope that I get a scholarship for my year abroad.
Expressing a goal or hope.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'bekommen' in the Perfekt tense.
Letztes Jahr ______ ich ein Stipendium für mein Studium in München ______.
The Perfekt of 'bekommen' is formed with 'haben' and the past participle 'bekommen' (it's an inseparable verb).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Stipendium' is neuter, and in the accusative case, the indefinite article is 'ein'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Hast du schon Post von der Stiftung? B: Ja! Ich ______!
This is the standard way to announce the news in a conversation.
Match the verb to the register.
1. Formal Writing, 2. Casual Conversation, 3. Slang
'Erhalten' is formal, 'bekommen' is neutral/casual, and 'abgreifen' is slang.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Stipendium vs. BAföG
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLetztes Jahr ______ ich ein Stipendium für mein Studium in München ______.
The Perfekt of 'bekommen' is formed with 'haben' and the past participle 'bekommen' (it's an inseparable verb).
Select the correct option:
'Stipendium' is neuter, and in the accusative case, the indefinite article is 'ein'.
A: Hast du schon Post von der Stiftung? B: Ja! Ich ______!
This is the standard way to announce the news in a conversation.
1. Formal Writing, 2. Casual Conversation, 3. Slang
'Erhalten' is formal, 'bekommen' is neutral/casual, and 'abgreifen' is slang.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine in spoken German. However, 'erhalten' sounds slightly more respectful in an email.
It's possible but rare. It sounds like you won a contest. 'Bekommen' is the standard for grants.
A Stipendium is a specific type of Förderung (funding/support).
Usually no. That's the best part! Unlike BAföG, a Stipendium is a gift.
Use 'Ich habe mich um ein Stipendium beworben.'
It is 'ein Stipendium' because it is neuter.
In Germany, sports scholarships are rare, but you can use the phrase if you get one.
A 'full ride' scholarship that covers all costs.
Only with very close friends. It's quite informal.
Ich habe {das|n} Stipendium leider nicht bekommen.
The most famous organization in Germany that gives Stipendien to international students.
Yes, though 'Drittmittel einwerben' is the professional academic term for professors.
Related Phrases
sich um ein Stipendium bewerben
builds onTo apply for a scholarship
ein Stipendium ausschreiben
specialized formTo announce/post a scholarship
der Stipendiat
similarThe scholarship holder
die Förderzusage
similarThe official confirmation of funding
leistungsbezogen
specialized formmerit-based
BAföG beziehen
contrastTo receive state student loans
