der
Fürsprecher
🗣️ What does 'der Fürsprecher' mean?
A Fürsprecher is a male person who speaks up for someone or something, who advocates for a person or a cause, supporting or defending them. He represents the interests of others.
The feminine form is die Fürsprecherin.
There are no different meanings indicated by different articles, as the word only takes the article 'der'.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-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 of 'der Fürsprecher' in Detail
The noun 'Fürsprecher' is masculine.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Fürsprecher |
| Genitive | des | Fürsprechers |
| Dative | dem | Fürsprecher |
| Accusative | den | Fürsprecher |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fürsprecher |
| Genitive | der | Fürsprecher |
| Dative | den | Fürsprechern |
| Accusative | die | Fürsprecher |
📝 Example Sentences
- Er war ein leidenschaftlicher Fürsprecher der Menschenrechte.
(He was a passionate advocate for human rights.) - Sie suchte einen Fürsprecher, der ihre Interessen vor Gericht vertrat.
(She looked for an advocate to represent her interests in court.) - Die Organisation braucht starke Fürsprecher in der Politik.
(The organization needs strong proponents in politics.) - Der Anwalt agierte als Fürsprecher seines Mandanten.
(The lawyer acted as his client's advocate/counsel.)
✅ Usage in Context
The term 'Fürsprecher' is often used in formal contexts, especially in legal, political, or social fields. It refers to people who actively and publicly advocate for a specific group, idea, or person.
- In law: A lawyer can be called a Fürsprecher for their client.
- In politics: Politicians or lobbyists act as Fürsprecher for specific interests or population groups.
- In the social sphere: People who campaign for the disadvantaged or for specific causes (e.g., environmental protection).
In everyday language, it can also simply mean someone who takes a friend's side or makes a recommendation, although words like 'Unterstützer' (supporter) or 'Verteidiger' (defender) are often used here as well.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article mnemonic: Remember that a FÜRsprecher (advocate) is typically a man (der Mann) who speaks für (for) someone. 'Der' fits this masculine role.
Meaning mnemonic: A FÜRsprecher speaks FOR you or a cause. He stands 'before' (in the sense of 'for') you and 'speaks' (sprechen).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):
- Befürworter: Someone who endorses something, a proponent.
- Unterstützer: Supporter.
- Verfechter: Champion, someone who fights passionately for an idea or cause.
- Anwalt: Lawyer (in the legal sense); also more generally, an advocate for a cause.
- Patron: Patron, protector, sponsor (often historical or in artistic contexts).
- Mentor: An experienced advisor or promoter.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Gegner: Opponent, adversary.
- Widersacher: Adversary, antagonist (often implies active opposition).
- Opponent: Opponent (in a debate or contest).
- Kritiker: Critic.
- Ankläger: Prosecutor (legal term, the opposite of the defender/Fürsprecher).
⚠️ Similar Words: Be careful not to confuse 'Fürsprecher' with 'Sprecher' (speaker, e.g., news anchor) or 'Vorsprecher' (someone who says something for others to repeat).
😄 A Little Joke
Warum sind Anwälte so gute Fürsprecher?
(Why are lawyers such good advocates?)
Weil sie immer das letzte Wort haben – auch wenn es nur "Einspruch!" ist!
(Because they always get the last word – even if it's just "Objection!")
📜 A Short Poem
Der Fürsprecher tritt vor, mit Worten stark und klar,
(The advocate steps forward, with words strong and clear,)
Er kämpft für Recht und Wahrheit, Jahr für Jahr.
(He fights for right and truth, year after year.)
Für Schwache und für Stumme erhebt er seine Stimm',
(For the weak and the mute, he raises his voice,)
Ein Anker in der Not, ein Licht im Dämmerungsschimmer.
(An anchor in need, a light in the twilight's glimmer.)
❓ Riddle
Ich spreche nicht für mich allein,
(I don't speak for myself alone,)
mein Wort soll deine Stütze sein.
(my word should be your support.)
Ob vor Gericht, ob im Disput,
(Whether in court or in dispute,)
ich gebe dir oft neuen Mut.
(I often give you new courage.)
Wer bin ich? / Who am I?
Lösung / Answer: Der Fürsprecher (The Advocate)
💡 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word 'Fürsprecher' is a compound noun, composed of:
- Für: Preposition, here expressing support or representation ('for').
- Sprecher: Noun derived from the verb 'sprechen' (to speak).
So, it literally means 'someone who speaks for (someone/something)'.
Historical Context: The term also has historical significance, e.g., in the medieval legal system, where advocates (Fürsprecher) played an important role in court proceedings.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Fürsprecher?
The noun 'Fürsprecher' is always masculine. The correct article is der Fürsprecher. The feminine form is die Fürsprecherin, and the plural is die Fürsprecher.