der  Anspruch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanˌʃpʁʊx/

📜 What does "der Anspruch" mean?

Der Anspruch is a masculine noun in German and has several meanings:

• Claim or Right: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the right to demand or receive something from someone else (e.g., a legal Anspruch for damages, an Anspruch for vacation days). This often relates to something one is entitled to.
• Expectation or Standard: It can also describe the expectation regarding the quality or level of something or someone (e.g., setting high Ansprüche for oneself, meeting the Ansprüche of customers). This is more about a desired level or norm.
• Demand or Strain: Less commonly, it can mean the physical or mental burden or strain (e.g., the high Anspruch of this task).

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the exact meaning of Anspruch.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Anspruch

The word "Anspruch" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Anspruch auf Kindergeld ist gesetzlich geregelt. (The entitlement to child benefit is regulated by law.)
• Genitive: Die Höhe des Anspruchs war strittig. (The amount of the claim was disputed.)
• Dative: Er genügte dem Anspruch des Publikums nicht. (He did not meet the audience's standards.)
• Accusative: Sie erhebt einen Anspruch auf Schmerzensgeld. (She is making a claim for pain and suffering damages.)
• Plural: Die Firma versucht, die hohen Ansprüche ihrer Kunden zu erfüllen. (The company tries to meet the high demands/standards of its customers.)

💡 Everyday Usage of Anspruch

"Der Anspruch" is used in various contexts:

• Legal Context: This involves legal claims. Common phrases are "Anspruch erheben" (to make a claim), "Anspruch haben auf" (to be entitled to), or "Ansprüche geltend machen" (to assert claims). Example: "Er hat Anspruch auf eine Entschädigung." (He is entitled to compensation.)
• Quality/Standard Context: Here, it describes a level or expectation. One can "hohe/niedrige Ansprüche haben" (have high/low standards) or "anspruchsvoll sein" (to be demanding/sophisticated). Example: "Dieser Wein genügt meinen Ansprüchen." (This wine meets my standards.) / "Sie hat hohe Ansprüche an ihre Mitarbeiter." (She has high expectations of her employees.)
• Strain Context: Less common, but possible to express burden. Example: "Die Aufgabe stellt hohe Ansprüche an die Konzentration." (The task places high demands on concentration.)

Distinction from Similar Words

• Forderung (Demand): A Forderung is often more concrete and direct than an Anspruch. An Anspruch is usually based on a right or foundation, while a Forderung can also be a simple request or wish.
• Recht (Right): A Recht is the abstract basis, whereas the Anspruch is the concrete assertion of that right. You have a Recht to something, which gives rise to an Anspruch.
• Erwartung (Expectation): An Erwartung is more subjective and less formal than an Anspruch in the sense of a standard. Ansprüche are often more objectively measurable or defined.

🧠 Mnemonics for Anspruch

Remembering the Article "der"

Imagine a powerful man (masculine, der Mann) making a strong claim (Anspruch). Claims and rights are often associated with authority, often represented by the masculine article in German.

Remembering the Meaning(s)

Think of 'an' + 'Spruch' (saying, sentence, claim). You address ('ansprechen') someone to make your 'Spruch' or claim heard. For the meaning 'standard', think: Does this 'sprechen' (speak) to my standards? Does it meet my requirements?

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Potential for Confusion

• Ansprache (Address, Speech): Means a speech or directly addressing someone, not to be confused with Anspruch.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie irgendwelche besonderen Ansprüche?"
Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, ein Gehalt wäre nicht schlecht!"

(Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have any special demands/requirements (Ansprüche)?" The employee replies: "Yes, a salary wouldn't be bad!")

✍️ Poem About The Word

Der Anspruch, mal groß, mal klein,
Will oft erfüllt und wichtig sein.
Ein Recht, das mancher klar benennt,
Ein Standard, den man Leistung nennt.
Mal schwer wie Blei, mal leicht wie Luft,
Er prägt das Leben, schafft oft Kluft.
Doch ohne ihn, das ist auch klar,
Wär' manches Ziel nie greifbar nah.

(Translation: The claim/standard, sometimes big, sometimes small, / Often wants to be fulfilled and important. / A right that some clearly state, / A standard that is called performance. / Sometimes heavy as lead, sometimes light as air, / It shapes life, often creates a gap. / But without it, that much is clear, / Many a goal would never be within reach.)

🧩 Fun Riddle

Ich bin ein Recht, das dir oft zusteht,
Eine Forderung, die man versteht.
Ich messe Qualität und auch Niveau,
Bin manchmal hoch, mal sowieso.

Was bin ich?

(Translation:
I am a right that you are often due,
A demand that people understand.
I measure quality and also level,
Sometimes I'm high, sometimes just so-so.

What am I?)

Solution: der Anspruch

💡 Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "Anspruch" derives from the verb "ansprechen" in the sense of "to claim something for oneself" or "to assert". It is a compound of the preposition "an" (on, at) and the noun "Spruch" (in the older sense of judgment, award, assertion).

Common Phrases

• Anspruch erheben auf (+ Accusative): To make a claim to something.
• Anspruch haben auf (+ Accusative): To be entitled to something.
• etwas in Anspruch nehmen: To make use of something, to take up someone's time, to require time/effort.
• anspruchsvoll sein: To be demanding, sophisticated, discerning.
• anspruchslos sein: To be modest, undemanding.