der  Antragsteller

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanˌtʁaːkˌʃtɛlɐ/

🧐 What exactly is an 'Antragsteller'?

An Antragsteller is a *male person* who submits an Antrag (*application, request, proposal*). This typically happens when dealing with *Behörden* (*authorities*), *Institutionen* (*institutions*), or *Unternehmen* (*companies*).

It refers to a person who formally submits a *Gesuch* (*request*), *Bitte* (*plea*), or *Forderung* (*demand*) to obtain, for example, a *Genehmigung* (*permit*), a *Leistung* (*benefit/service*), or *Information* (*information*).

The feminine form is die Antragstellerin (*female applicant*).

🚨 *Attention*: The word refers to the *person*, not the application document itself (der Antrag).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar Deep Dive: Declining 'der Antragsteller' (N-Declension)

The noun 'der Antragsteller' is *masculine* and follows the N-declension (*N-Deklination*). This means it adds the ending -(e)n in all cases except the *Nominative singular*.

Example Sentences

• Der Antragsteller muss das Formular vollständig ausfüllen.
  *The applicant must fill out the form completely.*
• Die Behörde informierte den Antragstellern über die fehlenden Unterlagen.
  *The authority informed the applicant about the missing documents.*
• Dem Antragstellern wurde eine Frist gesetzt.
  *A deadline was set for the applicant.*
• Die Unterschrift des Antragstellers ist erforderlich.
  *The applicant's signature is required.*
• Viele Antragsteller warten auf eine Antwort.
  *Many applicants are waiting for a response.*

🏢 When to Use 'Antragsteller'?

The term 'Antragsteller' is primarily used in *formal and official language*, especially in the following contexts:

• *Behörden und Ämter* (Authorities and Offices): For applications for social benefits (e.g., *Arbeitslosengeld* - unemployment benefits, *BAföG* - student grants), building permits, passports, visas, etc.
• *Versicherungen* (Insurance companies): When filing claims for insurance benefits.
• *Unternehmen* (Companies): For job applications (although 'Bewerber' is more common here) or internal requests (e.g., *Urlaubsantrag* - vacation request).
• *Gerichte* (Courts): In civil proceedings, the plaintiff can also be referred to as *Antragsteller* when filing a specific motion (e.g., for a preliminary injunction).

It's a *neutral term* describing the person's role in the application process.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of a *man* submitting the *Antrag* (application). Der Mann stellt den Antrag -> der Antragsteller. *Masculine nouns for professions or roles often take 'der'.*

For the meaning: Break it down: Antrag (*request/application*) + steller (from the verb stellen - *to place/submit*). Someone who submits (stellt) an application (Antrag). Quite logical!

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

⚠️ *Don't confuse* with der Antrag (*the application/request document itself*) or der Anbieter (*provider/supplier*).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Antragsteller seinen Stift mit ins Bett genommen?
Damit er seine Träume aufschreiben konnte!

*Why did the applicant take his pen to bed?*
*So he could write down his dreams!* 📄✍️💤

📜 A Poem about the 'Antragsteller'

Der Antragsteller, mit Formular in Hand,
hofft auf Genehmigung im Amtsgewand.
Er füllt die Zeilen, Punkt für Punkt,
bis der Bescheid ihm Gutes kundtut.
Ein Stempel hier, 'ne Unterschrift da,
der Weg zur Antwort ist oft nicht nah.

*The applicant, with form in hand,*
*Hopes for approval in official land.*
*He fills the lines, point by point with care,*
*Until the notice brings good news to share.*
*A stamp right here, a signature there,*
*The path to the answer is often unfair (lit. not near).*

❓ Riddle Time

Ich reiche Papiere ein, mal groß, mal klein.
Ich bitte um etwas, will's nicht allein.
Bei Amt oder Firma klopf ich an,
wer bin ich, sag's mir, wenn du kannst!

*I submit papers, sometimes big, sometimes small.*
*I ask for something, don't want to stand alone (i.e., want something from others).*
*At the office or company, I knock on the door,*
*Who am I, tell me if you know for sure!*

*Solution:* Der Antragsteller

🧩 Word Components and More

The word 'Antragsteller' is a *compound* or *derivative*:

• Antrag: Stems from the verb antragen (*to apply for, propose*). Consists of an- (*prefix*) and tragen (*to carry/wear*, here more in the sense of 'to bring forward').
• stellen: The verb stellen (*to place, put, set*). One *'stellt'* an application in German.
• -er: *Suffix used to form masculine nouns indicating a person performing an action (agent suffix).*

The feminine form is die Antragstellerin.

In the plural (die Antragsteller), the term can also be used *gender-neutrally* when referring to a group of people submitting applications.