die
Bewerbung
📄 What exactly is a 'Bewerbung'?
The German noun Bewerbung (feminine, article: die) refers to the formal act of applying for something, typically a job (Stelle), a place at university (Studienplatz), a scholarship (Stipendium), or similar.
It encompasses both the process of applying and often the set of documents submitted (cover letter - Anschreiben, CV/resume - Lebenslauf, etc.) to express interest and suitability.
The core idea comes from the verb werben (to advertise, promote, solicit), meaning you are 'promoting' yourself or your case for a specific position or purpose. There's only one article for this word: die. ⚠️ Confusion is unlikely.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📝 Grammar Corner: 'Die Bewerbung' in Detail
The noun Bewerbung
is feminine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Bewerbung | die Bewerbungen |
| Genitive | der Bewerbung | der Bewerbungen |
| Dative | der Bewerbung | den Bewerbungen |
| Accusative | die Bewerbung | die Bewerbungen |
Example Sentences:
- Hast du deine Bewerbung schon abgeschickt? (Have you sent off your application yet?)
- Die Personalabteilung prüft alle eingehenden Bewerbungen sorgfältig. (The HR department carefully checks all incoming applications.)
- Er arbeitet gerade an seiner Bewerbung für das Masterstudium. (He is currently working on his application for the master's program.)
- Der Erfolg einer Bewerbung hängt von vielen Faktoren ab. (The success of an application depends on many factors.)
🚀 When and How to Use 'Bewerbung'?
The term Bewerbung
is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Job market: Applying for a job. This is often called a Stellenbewerbung or Jobbewerbung.
- Education: Applying for a place at university (Studienplatz), school, or for a scholarship (Stipendium).
- Housing market: Applying for a rental apartment (less formal, but possible).
- Public tenders: Companies applying (sich bewerben) for contracts.
Typical verbs used with Bewerbung
include: eine Bewerbung schreiben (to write), einreichen (to submit), abschicken (to send off), zurückziehen (to withdraw); eine Bewerbung erhalten (to receive), prüfen (to check), bearbeiten (to process), beantworten (to answer); sich bewerben um... (to apply for...)
A complete Bewerbung (application portfolio) usually consists of a cover letter (Anschreiben), a CV/resume (Lebenslauf), and certificates/references (Zeugnisse). Sometimes the term Bewerbungsunterlagen (application documents) is used.
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Bewerbung'
Article 'die': Think of 'die' ending in 'e', like many feminine nouns. Or associate it with die Werbung (the advertisement) – you are advertising yourself. Both are feminine.
Meaning 'Application': The word contains 'werben' (to advertise/solicit). Imagine you have to 'advertise' (werben) your skills when you submit a Bewerbung.
↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms:
- Gesuch (das): (more formal, often for requests/petitions)
- Antrag (der): (mostly for formal requests to authorities, but overlap possible, e.g., Antrag auf Studienplatz)
- Kandidatur (die): (candidacy, application for an office or mandate)
- Interessenbekundung (die): (expression of interest, less formal preliminary step)
Similar words (Potential for confusion!):
- Werbung (die): Advertising or promotion for products/services, not for a person seeking a position.
- Bewertung (die): Evaluation or assessment of something.
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Geist eine schlechte Bewerbung geschrieben?
Er konnte sich einfach nicht richtig präsentieren, er war zu durchsichtig! 😄
(Why did the ghost write a bad application?
He just couldn't present himself properly, he was too transparent!)
📜 Poem about the 'Bewerbung'
Ein Blatt Papier, ein Lebenslauf,
die Hoffnung nimmt nun ihren Lauf.
Die Bewerbung, fein sortiert,
damit der Traum bald wird erfüllt.
Mit Worten werben, klar und schlicht,
zeigt Eignung, Können, Zuversicht.
Der Postbote bringt sie schnell zum Ziel,
ein neuer Job, das wär' ein Spiel!
(A sheet of paper, a CV bright,
Hope now takes its hopeful flight.
The application, neatly sorted,
So that the dream is soon supported.
With words to woo, clear and concise,
Showing skill, ability, good advice.
The postman takes it to its goal,
A new job soon, playing its role!)
🕵️ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Schritt, oft wohlbedacht,
hab' vielen schon Erfolg gebracht.
Mal digital, mal auf Papier,
ich öffne manch verschloss'ne Tür.
Ich sprech' von Stärken, Ziel und Plan,
fang' oft mit Sehr geehrte Damen...
an.
Was bin ich?
(I am a step, often well thought out,
I've brought success to many, no doubt.
Sometimes digital, sometimes on paper sheet,
I open many a locked door, oh so sweet.
I speak of strengths, goals, and plan,
Often starting with 'Dear Sir or Madam...'.
What am I?)
(Answer: die Bewerbung / the application)
ℹ️ Additional Info
Word Formation: The word Bewerbung
is a noun formed from the verb sich bewerben (to apply). The suffix -ung is commonly used in German to create nouns from verbs, and these nouns are typically feminine (e.g., die Meinung - opinion, die Hoffnung - hope, die Prüfung - exam).
Cultural Context: In Germany, the formal written application (schriftliche Bewerbung) traditionally holds significant importance, although digital application methods (digitale Bewerbung) are becoming increasingly common.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Bewerbung?
The German word Bewerbung is always feminine. The correct article is therefore die. For example: die Bewerbung (nominative singular), der Bewerbung (genitive/dative singular), die Bewerbungen (nominative/accusative plural).