der
Antrag
📝 What exactly is an Antrag?
Der Antrag (noun, masculine) generally refers to a formal request, petition, or proposal submitted to a relevant authority (government agency, company, organization, parliament, etc.) to obtain a specific decision, approval, or action.
There are various contexts:
- Official Application/Petition: A formal request to an authority (e.g., BAföG-Antrag for student grants, Bauantrag for building permits, Antrag auf Arbeitslosengeld for unemployment benefits).
- Business Proposal/Application: A proposal or request in a business context (e.g., Kreditantrag for a loan, Projektantrag for a project proposal).
- Parliamentary Motion: A proposal that is voted on in a parliament or assembly (also called Motion).
- Marriage Proposal (Heiratsantrag): The act of asking someone to marry (this is more of a social convention than a formal application in the above sense, but the word is the same).
🚨 Important: An Antrag is usually in writing and often requires specific forms or formalities.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ag → always masculine.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Antrag
The word "Antrag" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Antrag |
| Genitive | des | Antrag(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Antrag(e) |
| Accusative | den | Antrag |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Anträge |
| Genitive | der | Anträge |
| Dative | den | Anträgen |
| Accusative | die | Anträge |
Example Sentences
- Der Antrag auf Baugenehmigung wurde eingereicht.
(The application for the building permit was submitted.) - Die Bearbeitung seines Antrags dauert mehrere Wochen.
(The processing of his application takes several weeks.) - Dem Antrag wurde stattgegeben.
(The application/motion was approved.) - Bitte füllen Sie den Antrag vollständig aus.
(Please fill out the application completely.) - Im Parlament wurden gestern viele Anträge diskutiert.
(Many motions were discussed in parliament yesterday.) - Sie machte ihm einen romantischen Heiratsantrag.
(She made him a romantic marriage proposal.)
💡 How to use "Antrag"?
The term "Antrag" is mainly used in formal and official language.
- Antrag stellen/einreichen: This is the most common collocation. It means to officially apply for or request something. (Example: Ich muss morgen den Antrag auf Elterngeld stellen. - I have to submit the application for parental allowance tomorrow.)
- Antrag genehmigen/bewilligen: The relevant authority approves the application/proposal. (Example: Unser Urlaubsantrag wurde genehmigt. - Our vacation request was approved.)
- Antrag ablehnen/zurückweisen: The relevant authority rejects the application/proposal. (Example: Leider wurde der Antrag auf Fördermittel abgelehnt. - Unfortunately, the application for funding was rejected.)
- Antrag bearbeiten: The relevant authority processes the application. (Example: Die Behörde bearbeitet derzeit zahlreiche Anträge. - The authority is currently processing numerous applications.)
In the context of a Heiratsantrag (marriage proposal), the usage is less formal, but the word remains the same: Er hat ihr auf dem Eiffelturm einen Antrag gemacht. (He proposed to her on the Eiffel Tower.)
⚠️ Don't confuse "Antrag" with "Auftrag" (order, assignment, task) or "Anfrage" (inquiry, request for information, often less formal).
🧠 Memory Aids for "der Antrag"
For the article 'der': Think of 'der' as in 'der man' (the man). Imagine a man (masculine) carrying an important, heavy Antrag (the form) to the authorities. The man carries ('trägt') the Antrag. -> der Antrag.
For the meaning: An Antrag sounds like 'on track'. You submit an 'Antrag' to get something 'on track' – like getting approval for a project or benefits.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Antrag
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Gesuch: Very similar, often interchangeable, perhaps slightly more formal. (e.g., Gnadengesuch - plea for mercy)
- Eingabe: A written submission, often to authorities or courts.
- Vorschlag: Proposal, suggestion (in the sense of a parliamentary motion or project proposal).
- Bitte: Request, plea (more general and less formal than Antrag).
- Petition: An application or request with many signatures, often political.
- Motion: Specifically for parliamentary motions.
Antonyms (opposites in the process):
- Ablehnung: Rejection (of an application).
- Absage: Refusal, negative reply (to a request or application).
- Genehmigung/Bewilligung: Approval/Granting (of an application - opposite of rejection).
- Widerruf: Revocation, withdrawal (of an application by the applicant or of an approval by the authority).
Similar but different words:
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Beamte immer drei Antragsformulare mit ins Bett? Eins zum Zudecken, eins zum Ausfüllen, falls sie nicht schlafen können, und eins zum Weiterleiten an den Sandmann!
(Why do civil servants always take three application forms to bed?
One to cover themselves with, one to fill out if they can't sleep, and one to forward to the Sandman!)
✍️ Poem about the Antrag
Ein Stapel Papier, so weiß und rein,
soll bald ein wichtiger Antrag sein.
Mit Stempel, Unterschrift und viel Geduld,
trägt man ihn vor, befreit von Schuld.
Man hofft auf Ja, auf grünes Licht,
denn ohne Genehmigung geht es nicht.
Ob Bau, ob Geld, ob Eheglück,
der Antrag weist den Weg zum Stück.
(A stack of paper, so white and pure,
Soon an important Antrag to ensure.
With stamp, signature, and patient hold,
It's submitted, a story to unfold.
One hopes for yes, for a green light's gleam,
Without approval, just a broken dream.
Be it building, funds, or marital bliss,
The Antrag points the way to this.)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Wunsch auf Papier,
oft mit Stempel und Siegel von dir.
An Behörden gerichtet, mal groß, mal klein,
will ich eine Erlaubnis sein.
Auch Herzen kann ich fragen,
soll die Liebe Ehe wagen.
Was bin ich?
(I am a wish on paper,
Often with your stamp and seal, no caper.
Addressed to authorities, big or small,
I want to be a permission for all.
I can also ask hearts so true,
If love dares marriage, me and you.
What am I?)
Solution: der Antrag (the application/proposal/motion)
📌 More about Antrag
Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung): The word "Antrag" is composed of the prefix "an-" and the verb "tragen" (to carry, to bear). It literally means something that is 'carried to' or presented to someone (for a decision).
Common Compound Nouns (Komposita): Bauantrag (building application), Förderantrag (funding application), Urlaubsantrag (vacation request), Kreditantrag (loan application), Heiratsantrag (marriage proposal), BAföG-Antrag (student grant application), Änderungsantrag (amendment motion/request), Eilantrag (urgent application/motion), Asylantrag (asylum application), Visumantrag (visa application).
Trivia: In Germany, filling out Anträge (applications/forms) is a very common activity when dealing with authorities and institutions. The complexity of some application forms is proverbial (sprichwörtlich).
Summary: is it der, die or das Antrag?
The word "Antrag" is masculine, so the correct article is der Antrag. The plural form is die Anträge.