der
Support
🤔 What does "der Support" actually mean?
Der Support (noun, masculine) is a word borrowed from English (an Anglicism) and primarily means support, help, or assistance. It is very frequently used in technical or service-related contexts, often as a short form for customer support (Kundensupport) or technical support (technischer Support).
It describes the service provided to customers or users facing problems, questions, or concerns, especially regarding products or services (e.g., software, hardware, online services).
There are no other meanings associated with different articles, as "Support" in German is standardly masculine.
🧐 Grammar of "der Support" in Detail
"Support" is a masculine noun. The plural form ("die Supports") is rarely used and usually refers to different support teams or instances.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Support |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Supports / Support |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Support |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Support |
Note: In the genitive singular, both forms ("des Supports" and "des Support") are common, although "des Supports" is more frequent.
Declension Plural (rare)
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Supports |
| Genitive | der | Supports |
| Dative | den | Supports |
| Accusative | die | Supports |
Example Sentences
- Der technische Support konnte mir schnell helfen.
(The technical support was able to help me quickly.) - Ich benötige Support bei der Installation der Software.
(I need support with the software installation.) - Die Qualität des Supports ist entscheidend für die Kundenzufriedenheit.
(The quality of the support is crucial for customer satisfaction.) - Wir bieten unseren Kunden rund um die Uhr Support an.
(We offer our customers round-the-clock support.) - Wegen eines Problems mit dem Server kontaktierte sie den Support.
(Because of a problem with the server, she contacted support.)
💡 How "der Support" is used
"Der Support" is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Technical field: Help with problems concerning hardware, software, or IT systems (e.g., IT-Support, Software-Support).
- Customer service: General assistance for customers regarding products or services (e.g., Kundensupport, Telefonsupport).
- General assistance: Sometimes also used in a more general sense of help or aid, although the German word die Unterstützung is often preferred here.
Compared to die Unterstützung or die Hilfe, der Support often sounds more specific, referring to an organized service, especially in a technical or business environment. It's an established Anglicism.
⚠️ Avoid using "Support" with other articles. It's always der Support.
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Support"
For the article: Think that der Kunde (the male customer) or der Techniker (the male technician) provides or needs the support. Many job roles in support are grammatically masculine in German. This helps remember der Support.
For the meaning: The word "Support" sounds almost exactly like the English word "support," which also means assistance. This makes it easy to remember the meaning.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Die Unterstützung: General term for help/support.
- Die Hilfe: Basic word for help/aid.
- Der Beistand: More formal term for assistance in emergencies.
- Der Kundendienst/Kundenservice: Specifically customer service.
- Die Betreuung: Often implies more than just troubleshooting, e.g., advising.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Die Behinderung: Hindrance, obstruction.
- Der Widerstand: Resistance, opposition.
- Die Ignoranz: Ignoring problems or requests for help.
- Die Sabotage: Actively hindering or damaging.
Similar, potentially confusing words: Hardly any in this case, as "Support" is very specific and directly borrowed from English.
😂 A Little Joke
Kunde ruft beim Support an: "Mein Bildschirm ist kaputt!"
(Customer calls support: "My screen is broken!")
Support: "Ist er gesprungen?"
(Support: "Did it crack/jump?")
Kunde: "Nein, warum sollte er?"
(Customer: "No, why would it?")
Support: "Na ja, Sie sagten doch, Sie hätten Windows drauf geworfen!"
(Support: "Well, you did say you threw Windows on it!")
(Note: 'gesprungen' can mean 'cracked' or 'jumped'. 'Windows drauf werfen' can mean 'install Windows' or literally 'throw Windows onto it'.)
📜 Poem about Support
Der Computer streikt, der Schirm bleibt schwarz,
man fühlt sich hilflos, welch ein Harz!
Doch keine Panik, keine Not,
der Support ist im Angebot.
Ein Anruf schnell, Problem erklärt,
ein freundlich Wort, das Hoffnung nährt.
Mit Rat und Tat steht er zur Seit',
befreit dich aus der Schwierigkeit.
--- English Translation ---
The computer's on strike, the screen stays black,
feeling helpless, what bad luck!
But don't you panic, have no fear,
the Support is offered here.
A quick call made, the problem told,
a friendly word, makes spirits bold.
With words and deeds, they stand beside,
freeing you from troubles wide.
🧩 A Riddle
Ich habe keine Hände, doch ich helfe gern,
bei Technik-Fragen bin ich dein Stern.
Ich höre zu, geb' Rat per Draht,
bin für dich da, früh bis spät.
Wer bin ich?
... Der Support
--- English Translation ---
I have no hands, but gladly help along,
For tech questions, I'm your guiding star, so strong.
I listen close, give advice through the wire,
I'm there for you, fulfilling your desire.
Who am I?
... Der Support (The Support)
✨ Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Support" comes directly from the English verb "to support" and the noun "support". It has become established in German, particularly in technical and business contexts.
Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Support" is often part of compound nouns, such as:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Support?
The word "Support" is a masculine noun borrowed from English. Therefore, the correct article is always der Support. It means support or help, especially in the context of technical assistance or customer service.