die  Unterstützung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʊntɐˈzʏt͡sʊŋ/

🤝 What does "die Unterstützung" mean?

Die Unterstützung (feminine) generally describes the act of helping or assisting. It can refer to various types of help:

• Material or financial aid: e.g., financial Unterstützung from the state (social welfare, subsidies) or family.
• Practical help: e.g., Unterstützung with moving, childcare, or a task.
• Moral or emotional help: Encouragement, Beistand (support) in difficult times, backing.
• Technical help: Support for technical problems.
• Förderung (Promotion/Advancement): Unterstützung for developing skills, projects, or careers.

🚨 Important: The word "Unterstützung" is always feminine and therefore always used with the article "die". There are no other articles for this noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Unterstützung

"Unterstützung" is a feminine noun ending in "-ung", which is a typical indicator for feminine nouns in German.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural "die Unterstützungen" is used less frequently and usually refers to specific instances of aid or funding.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominative: Die Unterstützung seiner Freunde war ihm sehr wichtig.
   (The support of his friends was very important to him.)
2. Genitive: Trotz der Unterstützung durch die Regierung gab es Probleme.
   (Despite the support from the government, there were problems.)
3. Dativ: Mit der Unterstützung meiner Kollegen habe ich es geschafft.
   (With the support of my colleagues, I managed it.)
4. Accusative: Er bat um finanzielle Unterstützung.
   (He asked for financial support.)
5. Plural: Der Verein erhielt verschiedene Unterstützungen von Sponsoren.
   (The club received various forms of support/funding from sponsors.)

💡 How to use "Unterstützung"?

"Unterstützung" is a versatile word used in many contexts:

• In everyday life: When offering or asking for help ("Brauchst du Unterstützung?" - Do you need support/help?).
• At work: Teamwork, support from colleagues or superiors ("Wir brauchen die Unterstützung der IT-Abteilung." - We need the support of the IT department.).
• In the social sector: State benefits, volunteer support ("Die Organisation lebt von Spenden und ehrenamtlicher Unterstützung." - The organization subsists on donations and volunteer support.).
• In the technical field: Customer support, technical help ("Der technische Support bot schnelle Unterstützung." - The technical support offered quick assistance.).
• In the financial sector: Grants, subsidies, scholarships ("Das Start-up erhielt finanzielle Unterstützung." - The start-up received financial support.).

Difference from "Hilfe":

"Hilfe" (also feminine: die Hilfe) is often more spontaneous and direct, while "Unterstützung" can also mean planned, long-term, or organized help. "Unterstützung" often sounds a bit more formal or comprehensive than "Hilfe". However, they are sometimes used synonymously.

Example:

• Quick help: "Hilfe! Ich bin gestürzt!" - Help! I've fallen!
• Long-term support: "Er bekommt Unterstützung beim Lernen." - He receives support with his studies.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Unterstützung"

Article Mnemonic (die): Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die). Think of die Rettung (rescue), die Meinung (opinion), die Hoffnung (hope) – and also *die Unterstützung*. The "-ung" ending calls for "die"!

Meaning Mnemonic (Support): Imagine someone needs help (is under pressure - think Unter-) and you prop them up, you stützen (support) them from underneath. You give them Unter-stützung (support).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Unterstützung

⚠️ Similar-sounding words:

• Unterstellung: Has a completely different meaning (assumption, insinuation, subordination, or storage/shelter for vehicles). Don't confuse them!

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie schon Erfahrung mit Teamarbeit?"
Mitarbeiter: "Ja klar, deswegen brauche ich ja ständig die Unterstützung der anderen!"

English Translation: The boss asks his new employee: "Do you have experience with teamwork?"
Employee: "Yes, of course, that's why I constantly need the support of others!"

📜 Poem about Support

German:
Wenn Lasten drücken, schwer und grau,
und Mut verlässt dich, fad und lau,
dann braucht es Hände, stark und licht,
ein warmes Wort, ein Angesicht.
Die Unterstützung, sanft und rein,
lässt niemanden im Sturm allein.

English Translation:
When burdens press, heavy and grey,
And courage leaves you, dull and fray,
Then hands are needed, strong and bright,
A warm word, a face in sight.
The support, gentle and pure,
Leaves no one in the storm unsure.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin mal Geld, mal nur ein Wort,
ich helfe dir an manchem Ort.
Mal trage ich dich, mal geb' ich Rat,
bin oft gefragt im Staat.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
Sometimes I am money, sometimes just a word,
I help you out, in places you've heard.
Sometimes I carry you, sometimes I advise,
I'm often requested by the state, enterprise.

What am I?

Solution: die Unterstützung (support)

ℹ️ Further Information

Word Composition:

The word "Unterstützung" is composed of:

• Prefix "unter-": Here meaning 'supporting from below' or 'assisting'.
• Verb stem "stütz(en)": To prop, brace, support (physically or metaphorically).
• Suffix "-ung": Forms a feminine noun from the verb, describing the process or result.

It literally describes the act of 'supporting from below' or 'standing by someone'.