to encourage / reinforce
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to encourage
To give someone courage and strengthen their conviction, opinion, or decision.
Das positive Feedback hat mich darin bestärkt, mit dem Projekt weiterzumachen.
The positive feedback encouraged me to continue with the project.
The verb is made up of the inseparable prefix 'be-' and the verb 'stärken' (to strengthen). Here, the prefix 'be-' turns 'stärken' into a verb that always requires a direct object in the accusative.
Ihre Worte haben mich sehr bestärkt.
Her words encouraged me a lot.
A very typical construction is 'jemanden (Akkusativ) in etwas (Dativ) bestärken' (to encourage/reinforce someone in something). The dative object describes the opinion, decision, or feeling that is being strengthened.
Ich möchte dich in deiner Entscheidung bestärken.
I would like to encourage you in your decision.
The context reveals the exact meaning: If the object is a person, 'bestärken' usually means 'ermutigen' (to encourage). If the subject or object is an abstract thing like 'Beweis' (evidence) or 'Verdacht' (suspicion), it means 'untermauern' (to substantiate) or 'verstärken' (to reinforce).
Ihre Freunde bestärkten sie, sich für den Job zu bewerben.
Her friends encouraged her to apply for the job.
In the meaning 'verstärken' (to reinforce), the subjects are often abstract nouns such as 'Indizien' (clues), 'Beweise' (evidence), 'Ergebnisse' (results), or 'Erfahrungen' (experiences).
Die neuen Beweise bestärken den Verdacht gegen den Angeklagten.
The new evidence reinforces the suspicion against the defendant.
to support
'unterstützen' and 'bestärken' can both have to do with help or approval. 'unterstützen' means help in a broad sense, for example practical or financial help, or support for an idea. 'bestärken' more often means that someone becomes more certain in their opinion, decision, or feeling. Something can also reinforce a suspicion or assumption. Learners may confuse the words because both can have a positive effect on a person or opinion. When it is about concrete help, 'unterstützen' is more natural. When someone gains more courage or certainty, 'bestärken' fits better.
Das Lob der Chefin bestärkt Anna in ihrer Entscheidung.
The boss's praise encourages Anna in her decision.
Lukas unterstützt seinen Bruder beim Lernen für die Prüfung.
Lukas supports his brother while he studies for the exam.