der  Beistand

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbaɪʃtant/

🤝 Meaning of 'der Beistand'

Der Beistand (noun, masculine) primarily means assistance, support, or aid given to a person in a difficult situation, with a task, or in court. It can refer to the act of supporting someone (das Beistehen) or, less commonly on its own, a person who provides support (though specific terms like 'Zeugenbeistand' - witness assistance/assistant are often used for people).

It often implies an active and solidary form of help.

🚨 Attention: The plural ('die Beistände') is very rare and mostly used when referring to people providing assistance (e.g., legal counsels - Rechtsbeistände).

🧐 Grammar Corner: 'der Beistand'

The word 'Beistand' is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular.

📝 Example Sentences

• Er bat seinen Freund um Beistand bei der schwierigen Aufgabe.
  (He asked his friend for assistance with the difficult task.)
• Die Organisation leistet Opfern von Gewalt rechtlichen Beistand.
  (The organization provides legal assistance to victims of violence.)
• In Zeiten der Not ist gegenseitiger Beistand unerlässlich.
  (In times of need, mutual support is essential.)
• Sie schätzte seinen moralischen Beistand sehr.
  (She greatly appreciated his moral support.)
• Der Angeklagte erschien mit seinem Rechtsbeistand vor Gericht.
  (The defendant appeared in court with his legal counsel. Here 'Beistand' is part of a compound noun referring to the person.)

💡 How to Use 'Beistand'

The term 'Beistand' is often used in more formal contexts, especially in legal or administrative settings, but also to express moral or emotional support.

• Legal Context: Here, 'Beistand' often refers to support from a lawyer or another person authorized to provide legal advice (e.g., rechtlicher Beistand - legal aid/counsel, Verfahrensbeistand - procedural counsel, Zeugenbeistand - witness assistance/assistant).
• Personal/Emotional Context: It can also mean more general help or support from friends, family, or organizations (e.g., moralischer Beistand - moral support, seelischer Beistand - emotional support).
• Comparison with 'Hilfe' and 'Unterstützung': 'Beistand' often sounds a bit more formal and implies a stronger, more committed form of help than the more general word 'Hilfe' (help). 'Unterstützung' (support) is similar, but 'Beistand' often emphasizes actively being there and standing by someone in a specific situation.

🧠 Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of 'der helper', 'der lawyer', 'der supporter' - often masculine roles providing assistance. Der Beistand stands by you. ('Stand' sounds a bit like the English 'stand').

For the meaning: Imagine someone literally standing (Stand) by (Bei) you to offer help. That's Beistand – someone standing by you.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Risk of Confusion: Don't confuse with 'Bestand' (existence, stock, inventory) or 'Anstand' (decency, propriety).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Brauchen Sie einen Beistand?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Nein danke, Herr Richter. Mir reicht schon der Beistand meiner Schwiegermutter am Telefon jeden Abend!"

(The judge asks the defendant: "Do you need legal counsel (Beistand)?"
The defendant answers: "No thanks, Your Honor. The support (Beistand) I get from my mother-in-law on the phone every evening is quite enough!")

✍️ Poem about Support (Beistand)

Wenn Sorgen drücken, schwer und bang,
Die Prüfung dauert allzu lang,
Wenn Mut dich lässt, der Weg erscheint dir fremd,
Dann braucht die Seele, was sie hemmt,
Zu überwinden – einen Freund,
Der Beistand, der's gut mit dir meint.
Ein Wort, ein Blick, 'ne Hand, die hält,
Mehr wert als alles Gut und Geld.

(When worries press, heavy and anxious,
The trial lasts all too long,
When courage leaves you, the path seems strange,
Then the soul needs, what holds it back,
To overcome – a friend,
The support (Beistand), who means well by you.
A word, a glance, a hand that holds,
Worth more than all goods and gold.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin kein Ding, doch oft gesucht,
Vor Gericht und in der Lebensschlucht.
Ich steh' dir bei, bin deine Stütze,
In Not und Streit biet' ich dir Schütze.
Mal moralisch, mal mit Recht,
Ich helfe dir, schlicht und echt.

Wer bin ich?
(Who am I?)

(Answer: Der Beistand - Support/Assistance)

🧩 Other Information about Beistand

Word Composition: The word 'Beistand' is composed of the prefix 'bei-' (meaning 'near', 'with', 'alongside', suggesting support) and the noun 'Stand' (meaning 'stance', 'position', 'state', but also 'stability').

Cultural Significance: The concept of Beistand is deeply rooted in many cultures, reflecting social values like solidarity, community, and mutual aid.

Related Terms: Beistehen (verb - to assist, stand by), Beistandspflicht (legal duty to assist), Rechtsbeistand (legal counsel - person).