der  Bewerber

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈvɛʁbɐ/

🧑‍💼 What exactly is a 'Bewerber'?

Der Bewerber is a male person who applies for something, especially a job, a place at university, an office, or an apartment.

• Main meaning: Someone who has submitted an application or is in the process of applying.

Important: The word traditionally refers to men. The female form is die Bewerberin. In modern language use, there's often an attempt to use gender-neutral language (e.g., „Bewerbende“ - applicants), but „der Bewerber“ is still very common.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Der Bewerber

The word „Bewerber“ is a masculine noun. It follows the weak N-declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Bewerber wartet nervös auf das Vorstellungsgespräch. (The applicant waits nervously for the job interview.)
2. Die Unterlagen des Bewerbers waren sehr überzeugend. (The applicant's documents were very convincing.)
3. Wir gaben dem Bewerber eine Chance, sich vorzustellen. (We gave the applicant a chance to introduce himself.)
4. Das Unternehmen lud den Bewerber zu einem zweiten Gespräch ein. (The company invited the applicant for a second interview.)
5. Die Bewerber kamen aus verschiedenen Ländern. (The applicants came from different countries.)
6. Die Lebensläufe der Bewerber wurden sorgfältig geprüft. (The applicants' resumes were carefully checked.)
7. Wir müssen den Bewerbern bald eine Rückmeldung geben. (We need to give the applicants feedback soon.)
8. Wir haben die besten Bewerber ausgewählt. (We selected the best applicants.)

💡 How to use 'Bewerber'?

The term „Bewerber“ is mainly used in the context of selection processes:

• Professional life: Most commonly found during job searches. Companies look for Bewerber, and people are Bewerber for positions. (e.g., „Die Zahl der Bewerber auf diese Stelle war sehr hoch.“ - The number of applicants for this position was very high.)
• Education: When allocating university places, scholarships, or apprenticeships, people are also referred to as Bewerber. (e.g., „Die Universität wählt die besten Bewerber aus.“ - The university selects the best applicants.)
• Elections/Offices: People running for political office or a position in an association are also Bewerber. (e.g., „Es gab drei Bewerber für das Amt des Bürgermeisters.“ - There were three candidates for the office of mayor.)
• Housing market: When searching for rental apartments, interested parties are often called Bewerber. (e.g., „Der Vermieter hatte über 50 Bewerber für die Wohnung.“ - The landlord had over 50 applicants for the apartment.)

Distinction: An Interessent merely shows interest, while a Bewerber has actively submitted an application. A Kandidat is often an applicant who has made it to the shortlist.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of a male applying: DER man applies. Bewerber is masculine -> der Bewerber.

For the meaning: Imagine someone wants something and has to 'advertise' or 'woo' for it – in German, werben. He bewirbt sich (applies), so he is a Bewerber (applicant).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Not all synonyms are interchangeable in every context. „Kandidat“ often fits well in a job context, whereas „Anwärter“ is more suited for offices or successions.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Personaler den Bewerber: „Was sind Ihre Schwächen?“
Antwortet der Bewerber: „Ehrlichkeit.“
Personaler: „Ich glaube nicht, dass das eine Schwäche ist.“
Bewerber: „Ist mir aber egal, was Sie glauben!“

(Translation):
The HR manager asks the applicant: "What are your weaknesses?"
The applicant replies: "Honesty."
HR manager: "I don't think that's a weakness."
Applicant: "I don't care what you think!"

📜 Poem about the Applicant

Der Lebenslauf poliert und fein,
So tritt der Bewerber herein.
Mit Hoffnung im Blick und klopfendem Herz,
Vertreibt er Zweifel, besiegt den Schmerz.
Er spricht von Stärken, klug und gewandt,
Reicht lächelnd überzeugend die Hand.
Ob's reicht für den Job, das wird sich zeigen,
Dem tapferen Streben wird Erfolg nun neigen?

(Translation):
The resume polished and fine,
The applicant steps inside the line.
With hope in his eyes and a beating heart,
He banishes doubt, plays a brand new part.
He speaks of strengths, clever and skilled,
Offers a handshake, convincingly willed.
Will it be enough for the job? Time will tell,
Will brave striving now ring success's bell?

❓ Little Riddle

Ich schicke Papiere, hoffe auf Glück,
Will eine Stelle, ein gutes Stück.
Ich warte auf Antwort, auf Ja oder Nein,
Wer könnte ich wohl sein?

(Translation):
I send papers, hope for luck,
Want a position, a good buck.
I wait for an answer, for yes or no,
Who could I possibly be, you know?

Solution: Der Bewerber (The applicant)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Formation: The word „Bewerber“ is derived from the verb „sich bewerben“ (to apply). It describes the person performing the action of applying.

Gender-Neutral Language: As mentioned, „die Bewerberin“ is the female form. Increasingly, neutral forms like „Bewerbende“ (present participle used as a noun) or phrases like „Personen, die sich bewerben“ (people who apply) are used to include all genders.

International: In English, „der Bewerber“ usually corresponds to applicant or candidate.