der
Spendenaufruf
📣 What Exactly is a Spendenaufruf?
A der Spendenaufruf is a public request or appeal to people or organizations to donate money, goods, or time for a specific cause or organization.
It's a compound noun:
A Spendenaufruf aims to mobilize support for charitable causes, aid projects, disaster relief, cultural institutions, or other concerns. It is often disseminated through media such as newspapers, television, radio, social media, or mail.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Spendenaufruf
The word "Spendenaufruf" is a masculine noun. Its article is der.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Spendenaufruf |
| Genitive | des | Spendenaufrufs / Spendenaufrufes |
| Dative | dem | Spendenaufruf(e) |
| Accusative | den | Spendenaufruf |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Spendenaufrufe |
| Genitive | der | Spendenaufrufe |
| Dative | den | Spendenaufrufen |
| Accusative | die | Spendenaufrufe |
Example Sentences
- Der Spendenaufruf der Organisation war sehr erfolgreich.
(The organization's appeal for donations was very successful.) - Wir folgten dem Spendenaufruf und überwiesen Geld.
(We followed the appeal for donations and transferred money.) - Die Zeitung druckte mehrere Spendenaufrufe für die Flutopfer ab.
(The newspaper printed several appeals for donations for the flood victims.) - Der Erfolg des Spendenaufrufs übertraf alle Erwartungen.
(The success of the appeal for donations exceeded all expectations.)
🗣️ How to Use "Spendenaufruf"?
The term "Spendenaufruf" is primarily used in the context of charity, fundraising, and disaster relief.
- Typical Contexts: You hear or read a Spendenaufruf on TV, radio, in newspapers, on NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) websites, or in social media.
- Purpose: The goal is always to collect resources (usually money, but also donations in kind or time) for a good cause.
- Distinction: A Spendenaufruf is more specific than a general Bitte (request). It's often more formal and more widely disseminated than a personal inquiry. A Sammelaktion (collection campaign) might be the result of a Spendenaufruf, but describes the activity of collecting itself.
⚠️ Caution: Sometimes fraudulent Spendenaufrufe are launched. It's important to check the legitimacy of the organization behind it.
💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
For the Article (der): Think of "DER Aufruf" (the call/appeal). Since "Spendenaufruf" ends in "-aufruf" and "Aufruf" is masculine (der Aufruf), "der Spendenaufruf" is also masculine.
For the Meaning: Imagine someone calling out (Aufruf) loudly for donations (Spenden). Picture a megaphone 📢 broadcasting an appeal for donations.
🔄 Synonyms & Opposites
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Sammelaufruf: Very similar, emphasizes the collection aspect.
- Appell: More general, can also call for other actions.
- Aufruf zur Hilfe: Emphasizes the aspect of help.
- Bitte um Unterstützung: Slightly more general and personal (request for support).
- (Colloquial, sometimes negative): Bettelbrief: (Begging letter - more for written, very insistent requests)
Antonyms (Opposite Concepts):
A direct antonym doesn't really exist. One might think of actions that occur after or counteract a Spendenaufruf:
- Danksagung: Acknowledgement of thanks for donations received.
- Ablehnung / Ignorieren: Refusal / Ignoring - the reaction of not responding to the appeal.
- Mittelvergabe / Verteilung: Allocation / Distribution of funds - the process after collecting donations.
Similar but Different Terms:
😄 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette nie an Spendenaufrufen teil?
Weil sie kein Herz und keine Spendierhosen haben! 🦴👖
--- Translation ---
Why do skeletons never participate in appeals for donations?
Because they have no heart and no "spending pants"! (Spendierhosen = slang for being generous, lit. spending trousers)
📜 A Short Poem about the Spendenaufruf
Ein Ruf geht durch das Land,
gereicht wird eine offne Hand.
Der Spendenaufruf, laut und klar,
für Menschen in Not, Jahr für Jahr.
Ein kleiner Beitrag, groß die Wirkung,
bringt Hoffnung, Licht und Stärkung.
--- Translation ---
A call goes through the land,
an open hand is extended.
The appeal for donations, loud and clear,
for people in need, year after year.
A small contribution, great the effect,
brings hope, light, and strength.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Wort, beginn mit 'S',
ich bitte oft um Finanz-Exzess.
Mal laut, mal leise, mal im Netz,
für gute Zwecke bin ich stets.
Mein Artikel ist 'der', merk es dir schnell,
man folgt mir oft auf der Stell'.
Was bin ich?
--- Translation & Clues ---
I am a word, starting with 'S',
I often ask for financial excess (funds).
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes online,
I'm always for good causes.
My article is 'der', remember it quickly,
people often follow me right away.
What am I?
Solution: Der Spendenaufruf
🧩 Further Insights
Word Composition
The word "Spendenaufruf" is a compound noun composed of two parts:
- Die Spende(n): Plural form of 'Spende' (donation). The '-n' is a linking element (Fugen-n).
- Der Aufruf: 'call' or 'appeal'.
Together, it literally means a "call for donations".
Cultural Context
Spendenaufrufe are widespread in Germany, especially around Christmas or after natural disasters. There are many established aid organizations that regularly launch appeals for donations (e.g., Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross), Caritas, Diakonie, Ärzte ohne Grenzen (Doctors Without Borders)).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Spendenaufruf?
The word "Spendenaufruf" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It refers to a public appeal for donations of money or goods for a specific cause.