der  Beirat

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbaɪˌʁaːt/

🧐 What does "der Beirat" mean?

Der Beirat (masculine, article: der) refers to a committee or group of people who have an advisory function. They support an organization, company, or institution with their expertise or experience, but usually do not have decision-making power. A Beirat provides recommendations and advice.

You can find Beiräte (plural) in various contexts:

• Companies: Often supplementing the management or supervisory board (Aufsichtsrat).
• Associations & Foundations (Vereine & Stiftungen): For expert support of the board (Vorstand).
• Politics & Administration (Politik & Verwaltung): As a committee for advice on specific topics (e.g., Integrationsbeirat - integration advisory council, Seniorenbeirat - senior citizens' advisory council).
• Science (Wissenschaft): As a scientific advisory board (wissenschaftlicher Beirat) to accompany research projects.

🚨 Important: The Beirat only advises; it does not make operational decisions like a Vorstand (executive board) or Geschäftsführung (management).

📐 Grammar in Detail: Der Beirat

The noun „Beirat“ is masculine.

Declension of „der Beirat“

Example Sentences for Grammar

1. Der neu gegründete Beirat traf sich zur ersten Sitzung. (The newly formed advisory board met for its first session.)
2. Die Empfehlungen des Beirats wurden ernst genommen. (The recommendations of the advisory board were taken seriously.)
3. Wir dankten dem Beirat für seine wertvollen Hinweise. (We thanked the advisory board for its valuable advice.)
4. Die Geschäftsführung konsultierte den Beirat in strategischen Fragen. (The management consulted the advisory board on strategic issues.)
5. Die Beiräte verschiedener Abteilungen tauschten sich aus. (The advisory boards of different departments exchanged views.)

💡 How to use "der Beirat"?

The term „Beirat“ is mainly used in formal contexts related to organizations, companies, and administration.

• Typical Collocations: Einen Beirat einrichten (to set up), berufen (to appoint), wählen (to elect); Mitglied im Beirat sein (to be a member of the advisory board); dem Beirat angehören (to belong to the advisory board); der Beirat tagt (convenes/meets), berät (advises), gibt Empfehlungen (gives recommendations).
• Context: Always used when referring to a group that acts in an advisory capacity without having the final decision-making authority.
• Differentiation:
  • Aufsichtsrat (Supervisory Board): Unlike the Beirat, this body has legally defined control and monitoring functions (e.g., in stock corporations - Aktiengesellschaften).
  • Vorstand/Geschäftsführung (Executive Board/Management): Manages the operational business and makes decisions.
  • Komitee/Ausschuss (Committee): Can have both advisory and decision-making functions, often for specific tasks.

Example: „Der wissenschaftliche Beirat des Forschungsinstituts empfahl eine Neuausrichtung der Projekte.“ (The scientific advisory board of the research institute recommended a reorientation of the projects.)

🧠 How to remember "der Beirat"

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Rat" (the advice/council). A Beirat gives Rat, and Rat is masculine. So, the "Bei-Rat" stands "by" (bei) and gives Rat – it's der Beirat.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a group of wise advisors standing by (bei in German) the main decision-makers, offering them counsel or advice (Rat in German). They stand 'nearby' (bei) and offer 'advice' (Rat) -> Beirat.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Beirat"

⚠️ Caution: Words like Komitee (committee) or Kommission (commission) can be similar depending on the context, but often have more specific tasks or powers.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Beirat: „Was halten Sie von meinem neuen Geschäftsplan?“ Antwortet der Vorsitzende des Beirats: „Grundsätzlich eine hervorragende Idee! Wir raten Ihnen dringend... etwas anderes zu tun.“ 😄

(English: The boss asks the advisory board: "What do you think of my new business plan?" The chairman of the advisory board replies: "Fundamentally an excellent idea! We strongly advise you... to do something else." 😄)

✍️ Poem about the Beirat

Der kluge Beirat

Man sitzt zusammen, denkt und spricht,
erfüllt die beratende Pflicht.
Der Beirat, klug und sehr gewandt,
reicht Expertise mit Verstand.

Er lenkt nicht selbst, er zeigt den Weg,
gibt Rat und manchen Hinweis pfiffig.
Ob Firma, Stiftung oder Staat,
stets wertvoll ist der gute Rat.

The Wise Advisory Board

They sit together, think and speak,
Fulfilling the advisory task they seek.
The board, so clever and well-versed,
Provides expertise, wisely rehearsed.

It doesn't steer, it shows the way,
With hints and counsel, come what may.
For firm, foundation, or the state,
Valuable is good advice, never late.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich habe viele Köpfe, doch keine Krone trag' ich.
Ich gebe klugen Rat, doch Befehle sag' ich nicht.
Ich stehe oft daneben, wenn die Großen entscheiden,
mein Wort hat Gewicht, doch Macht werd' ich meiden.

Wer bin ich? ... Der Beirat

I have many heads, but wear no crown.
I give wise advice, but issue no command aloud.
I often stand aside when the big decisions are made,
My word carries weight, but power I evade.

What am I? ... The Beirat (Advisory Board)

✨ More about Beirat

Word Composition:

The word „Beirat“ is composed of:

• bei-: Prefix indicating proximity, support, or addition (like in beistehen - to stand by, support).
• Rat: Noun meaning both the act of advising (advice, counsel) and the person or group giving advice (council, e.g., Stadtrat - city council).

So, a Beirat is literally a group that stands 'by' (bei-) offering 'advice' (Rat).

Trivia:

In some contexts, such as homeowners' associations (Wohnungseigentümergemeinschaften - WEG) in Germany, the establishment of an administrative advisory board (Verwaltungsbeirat) is even required by law (§ 29 WEG), although its duties are primarily supportive and controlling (not decision-making).