der
Befürworter
🗣️ What does 'der Befürworter' mean?
A Befürworter is a male person who supports, advocates for, or promotes an idea, project, opinion, or cause. It's someone who speaks in favour of something.
The female form is die Befürworterin.
The word derives from 'für' (for) and 'Wort' (word, in the sense of 'speaking').
Article rules for der, die, and das
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Befürworter
The noun 'der Befürworter' is masculine and follows the N-declension (N-Deklination). This means it adds an '-en' ending in all cases except the nominative singular.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Befürworter |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Befürwortern |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Befürwortern |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Befürwortern |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Befürworter |
| Genitive | der | Befürworter |
| Dative | den | Befürwortern |
| Accusative | die | Befürworter |
📝 Example Sentences
- Er war ein starker Befürworter der neuen Reform.
(He was a strong proponent of the new reform.) - Die Befürworter des Projekts trafen sich gestern Abend.
(The supporters of the project met last night.) - Man hörte die Argumente des Befürworters aufmerksam an.
(They listened carefully to the proponent's arguments.) - Wir müssen die Befürworter von unserer Sache überzeugen.
(We need to convince the supporters of our cause.)
💬 How to use 'Befürworter'?
'Befürworter' is often used in discussions, debates, and reports on political, social, or economic topics. It describes a person who actively supports a specific position or project.
- Context: Politics, society, projects, initiatives, opinion forming.
- Distinction: An Anhänger (follower, adherent) often supports more passively or emotionally, whereas a Befürworter usually argues actively and advocates for the cause. A Fürsprecher (advocate, spokesperson) often speaks officially or on behalf of others.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article: A Befürworter is typically a man (masculine), so use der Befürworter.
Meaning: Think of "speaking für (for) the Wort (word/cause)". A Befürworter is someone who speaks for something and argues in its favour.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Fürsprecher: (Advocate, spokesperson) Often someone speaking on behalf of others.
- Unterstützer: (Supporter) Can also imply financial or material help.
- Verfechter: (Champion, advocate) Often someone who fights passionately for something.
- Anhänger: (Follower, adherent) More general agreement, not necessarily active advocacy.
- Parteigänger: (Partisan) Strongly biased, often in a political context.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Gegner: (Opponent, adversary) Actively opposes something.
- Kritiker: (Critic) Expresses concerns or negative judgments.
- Widersacher: (Adversary, antagonist) Often in direct conflict.
- Opponent: (Opponent) Formal term for an adversary, e.g., in a debate.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum ist ein Befürworter beim Kartenspiel so schlecht im Bluffen?
(Why is a proponent so bad at bluffing in a card game?)
Weil er immer offen sagt, wofür er ist!
(Because he always openly says what he is for!)
📜 Poem about the Befürworter
Der Befürworter, klar und laut,
(The proponent, clear and loud,)
Hat seine Meinung aufgebaut.
(Has built up his opinion.)
Mit Worten stark, für eine Pflicht,
(With strong words, for a duty,)
Verliert er seine Ziele nicht.
(He does not lose sight of his goals.)
Er steht dafür, er kämpft voran,
(He stands for it, he fights onward,)
Ein echter Überzeugungsmann.
(A true man of conviction.)
🧩 Who am I? A Riddle
Ich spreche nicht dagegen, sondern dafür,
(I speak not against, but for it,)
Öffne für eine Idee die Tür.
(Open the door for an idea.)
Ich unterstütze Plan und Tat,
(I support plan and action,)
Steh mit Argumenten parat.
(Stand ready with arguments.)
Mein Gegenteil ist oft der Kritiker schwer,
(My opposite is often the harsh critic,)
Wer bin ich? Sag es her!
(Who am I? Tell me now!)
Solution: der Befürworter (the proponent/supporter)
💡 Other Interesting Info
Word Composition:
- Prefix be-: intensifying or directional
- Preposition für: in favour of
- Noun Wort: here meaning speech, argumentation
- Suffix -er: denotes a (male) person performing an action
The word 'Befürworter' emphasizes active support through reasoning and advocacy.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Befürworter?
The word "Befürworter" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It refers to a male person who supports something (use die Befürworterin for females). It follows the N-declension (Genitive/Dative/Accusative singular: des/dem/den Befürwortern).