to support
Loading your saved state.
to support
To support and help someone in a difficult situation, with a problem, or in an emergency. The verb is used with a dative object.
In dieser schweren Zeit haben mir meine Freunde immer beigestanden.
During this difficult time, my friends always supported me.
'Beistehen' (to support) is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'bei' comes at the end, while in subordinate clauses and in the infinitive it remains attached to the verb.
Ein guter Freund steht dir in der Not immer bei.
A good friend always supports you in times of need.
The verb is made up of the preposition 'bei' (by/with) and the verb 'stehen' (to stand). The literal meaning 'to stand next to' is used here figuratively as 'to support.'
Ich werde dir bei dieser Entscheidung beistehen.
I will support you with this decision.
The person being helped is always in the dative. You say 'jemandem' bei stehen, not 'jemanden.'
Er ist seinem Bruder während der Krankheit beigestanden.
He supported his brother during the illness.
A very common and nice expression is to support someone 'mit Rat und Tat' (with advice and action). This means helping both with good advice and with practical support.
Meine Eltern haben mir beim Umzug mit Rat und Tat beigestanden.
My parents supported me with advice and practical help during the move.
to help
Helfen is general and can also refer to practical support with a task. Beistehen emphasizes providing personal support to someone in a difficult situation or emergency. Helfen is often more suitable for specific tasks, while beistehen is used for accompanying someone through a difficult time.
Nach dem Unfall stehe ich Lea in dieser schweren Zeit bei.
After the accident, I am standing by Lea during this difficult time.
Nach dem Unfall helfe ich Lea beim Einkaufen und Kochen.
After the accident, I am helping Lea with shopping and cooking.
