supporter
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supporter
A person who publicly supports and advocates for a particular idea, plan, or cause.
Die Befürworter des neuen Gesetzes betonten die Vorteile für die Umwelt.
The supporters of the new law emphasized the benefits for the environment.
The word comes from the verb 'befürworten' (to support/advocate). It contains the preposition 'für' (for) and the noun 'Wort' (word). A 'Befürworter' (supporter) is therefore someone who “puts in a word for” something and thereby supports it.
Als Befürworter der Energiewende setzt er sich für erneuerbare Energien ein.
As a supporter of the energy transition, he advocates for renewable energy.
The thing being supported usually appears in the genitive directly after the noun. In spoken language, 'von' (of/from) with the dative is also often used.
Er ist ein großer Befürworter des neuen Schulsystems.
He is a strong supporter of the new school system.
Common adjectives are 'ein starker Befürworter' (a strong supporter) or 'ein entschiedener Befürworter' (a firm supporter). Someone is often a supporter of 'einer Idee' (an idea), 'eines Gesetzes' (a law), or 'einer Reform' (a reform).
Die Konferenz brachte Befürworter und Gegner der Maßnahme zusammen.
The conference brought together supporters and opponents of the measure.
friend / boyfriend
'der Freund' and 'der Befürworter' can both mean a person who views a cause or idea positively. 'Freund' is broader and often more personal, for example 'ein Freund klarer Regeln' (a fan of clear rules). 'Befürworter' is more precise when someone openly supports a plan, an idea, or a decision. It sounds more factual and is often used in discussions, politics, or work. Learners may confuse the words because both express approval. Remember: A 'Befürworter' actively says yes to something; a 'Freund' of something likes or supports it in a more general way.
Im Team gibt es mehrere Befürworter der neuen Arbeitszeiten.
There are several supporters of the new working hours on the team.
Mein Vater ist ein Freund kurzer Wege und fährt deshalb oft mit dem Fahrrad.
My father likes short routes, so he often rides his bike.