das  Gesuch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈzuːx/

📜 What exactly is a 'Gesuch'?

Das Gesuch (noun, neuter) refers to a formal request or application, usually submitted in writing to an authority, institution, or a person in a senior position. It expresses a wish or demand for something specific, such as approval, support, or information.

Compared to a simple 'Bitte' (request, plea), a 'Gesuch' is more formal and is often used in official or professional contexts. It implies a certain seriousness and the expectation of an official response or decision.

⚠️ Note: The word 'Gesuch' can sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned or very formal. In many modern contexts, 'Antrag' (application, proposal) is used instead.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Gesuch' in Detail

'Das Gesuch' is a noun with the article das. It's a neuter noun.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er reichte sein Gesuch auf Beurlaubung bei der Personalabteilung ein.
   (He submitted his request for leave to the HR department.)
2. Das Gesuch um finanzielle Unterstützung wurde geprüft.
   (The request for financial support was reviewed.)
3. Die Behörde lehnte mehrere Gesuche ab.
   (The authority rejected several applications/requests.)
4. Ein formloses Gesuch genügt in diesem Fall nicht.
   (An informal request is not sufficient in this case.)

✍️ When and how to use 'das Gesuch'?

The use of 'das Gesuch' is typically limited to formal situations:

• Authorities & Offices: Ein Gesuch um eine Baugenehmigung (a request for a building permit), ein Visum (a visa), or Sozialleistungen (social benefits).
• Professional Environment: Ein Gesuch um Urlaub (request for vacation), Versetzung (transfer), or Gehaltserhöhung (salary increase) (although 'Antrag' is often more common here).
• Legal Context: Ein Gnadengesuch (a plea for clemency) or ein Gesuch auf Akteneinsicht (a request to inspect files).

Typical verbs: ein Gesuch einreichen (to submit), stellen (to make/file), formulieren (to formulate), prüfen (to examine/review), bewilligen (to grant/approve), ablehnen (to reject).

Distinction from other words:

• Antrag: Very similar and often used synonymously, tends to be more modern and common than 'Gesuch'. An 'Antrag' is often based on an existing right or regulation.
• Bitte: Much more general and informal. A 'Bitte' can be made orally or in writing and has no official character.
• Petition: A written request or demand (often signed by many people) to a competent authority, usually of a political or public nature.

A 'Gesuch' often implies that the requester depends on the goodwill or positive decision of the addressed body.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'das': Think that many formal documents or processes are neuter in German: das Formular (the form), das Dokument (the document), das Protokoll (the minutes/protocol), and also das Gesuch. A formal Gesuch often requires das Formular.

For the meaning 'formal request/application': Think of 'Ge-such' sounding like 'seek'. You seek approval or help, so you make a formal Gesuch. You are seeking a positive response.

↔️ Opposites and Alternatives: What fits with 'Gesuch'?

⚠️ Similar-sounding words (Risk of confusion):

• Versuch (der): Attempt, try, experiment.
• Besuch (der): Visit.
• Gesucht (adjective/participle): Wanted (e.g., by police), sought-after.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon mein Gesuch um mehr Kaffee auf meinem Schreibtisch gesehen?"
Mitarbeiter: "Nein, aber ich unterstütze es voll und ganz!"

(Boss asks the new employee: "Have you seen my request for more coffee on my desk?"
Employee: "No, but I fully support it!")

✍️ A Poem about the 'Gesuch'

Ein Blatt Papier, ein ernstes Wort,
Gerichtet an den hohen Ort.
Das Gesuch, mit Bedacht verfasst,
Hofft auf Antwort, ohne Hast.

Ob Urlaub, Hilfe oder Geld,
Was man sich wünscht auf dieser Welt.
Man reicht es ein, mit bangem Mut,
Und hofft, die Antwort wird dann gut.

(A sheet of paper, a serious word,
Addressed to the high place, to be heard.
The formal request, carefully composed,
Hopes for an answer, not too opposed.)

(Whether leave, help, or money sought,
What one desires in this world's plot.
Submitted with anxious heart,
Hoping the answer plays a good part.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Befehl, doch meist sehr formal.
Ich liege oft schriftlich vor, im Amt oder Saal.
Ich bitte um etwas, mal groß oder klein,
wer auf Antwort hofft, muss mich reichen ein.

Was bin ich?
(I'm not a command, but usually very formal.
I'm often presented in writing, in an office or hall.
I ask for something, sometimes big or small,
Whoever hopes for an answer must submit me.)

What am I?
(Answer: Das Gesuch)

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation: 'Das Gesuch' is derived from the verb 'suchen' (to search, to seek). The prefix 'Ge-' here, as often with nouns, forms a collective or indicates the result of an action (the act of 'suchen' leads to the 'Gesuch').

Formality Level: As mentioned, 'Gesuch' belongs more to elevated or official language. In everyday conversation, it often sounds somewhat stiff.