alms
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alms
A small donation in the form of money or food that is given to a needy or begging person.
Er gab dem Obdachlosen ein kleines Almosen und ein paar freundliche Worte.
He gave the homeless man a small amount of alms and a few kind words.
When you give someone alms, the person receiving them is in the dative. The typical verb is 'geben' (to give) in the structure: jemandem (dative) ein Almosen geben.
Die alte Frau gab dem Bettler ein Almosen.
The old woman gave the beggar alms.
The word 'Almosen' (alms) can sound somewhat old-fashioned or literary. Today it is used less often in everyday spoken language, but it is still present in texts and in its derogatory meaning.
Im historischen Roman bat der Pilger um ein Almosen für seine Weiterreise.
In the historical novel, the pilgrim asked for alms for his onward journey.
Common phrases are 'um ein Almosen bitten' (to ask for alms) or 'von Almosen leben' (to live on alms). These describe the situation of need from the perspective of the person receiving them.
Ohne feste Arbeit musste die Familie von Almosen leben.
Without steady work, the family had to live on alms.
The derogatory meaning can often be recognized from the context of negotiations, such as salary, and from adjectives like 'lächerlich' (ridiculous), 'rein' (mere), or 'geradezu' (downright). The tone is always outraged or disappointed.
Diese Entschädigung ist ein lächerliches Almosen, keine echte Wiedergutmachung.
This compensation is a ridiculous pittance, not real restitution.
support
'die Unterstützung' and 'das Almosen' can both have to do with helping someone, especially with money or things. 'Unterstützung' is neutral and can be large or small, planned or spontaneous. 'Almosen' usually means a small gift to a poor or begging person. The word can also sound derogatory if the help is far too little. Learners may confuse the words because both describe help. What matters is: 'Unterstützung' is the normal, respectful word. 'Almosen' is much narrower and often sensitive in tone.
Vor dem Bahnhof gab ein Mann dem Bettler ein kleines Almosen.
In front of the train station, a man gave the beggar a small amount of alms.
Sie bekommt finanzielle Unterstützung, damit sie ihre Ausbildung beenden kann.
She receives financial support so that she can finish her training.