to encourage
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encourage
To give someone courage, confidence, or hope so that he or she does something specific or masters a difficult situation.
Die Lehrerin ermutigte die Schülerin, sich für den Wettbewerb anzumelden.
The teacher encouraged the student to sign up for the competition.
The verb 'ermutigen' (to encourage) is derived from the noun 'der Mut' (courage). The prefix 'er-' often indicates the beginning of a process—here, making someone courageous. As a verb with 'er-', it is inseparable.
Ein gutes Wort kann einen Menschen wirklich ermutigen.
A kind word can really encourage a person.
'Ermutigen' (to encourage) is very often used with an infinitive construction. The pattern is: 'jemanden (Akkusativ) ermutigen, etwas zu tun' (to encourage someone to do something). Alternatively, you can encourage someone 'zu etwas (Dativ)' (toward/to something).
Ich ermutige dich, deine Meinung offen zu sagen.
I encourage you to express your opinion openly.
In this meaning, someone is often encouraged to take on a challenge or overcome an obstacle. Typical actions are: applying for something, taking a trip, not giving up, or pursuing one's dreams.
Seine Eltern ermutigten ihn, im Ausland zu studieren.
His parents encouraged him to study abroad.
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that the subject is often an institution (government, company) and the object is an abstract development. It is less about personal confidence and more about promoting trends or behavior.
Die Politik will Investitionen in grüne Technologien ermutigen.
Policymakers want to encourage investment in green technologies.
to support
'unterstützen' and 'ermutigen' can both mean that you help someone achieve something or keep going. The difference is in the focus. 'unterstützen' is broader: you can help with money, time, work, or also with approval. 'ermutigen' mainly means giving someone courage and confidence. So it is more about words, attitude, and feelings. Learners may confuse the words because encouragement is also a kind of support. But not every kind of support is encouragement: someone who pays a bill or helps with a task supports; someone who says 'Du schaffst das' (you can do it) encourages.
Der Trainer ermutigt die Kinder, auch nach Fehlern weiterzuspielen.
The coach encourages the children to keep playing even after making mistakes.
Meine Eltern unterstützen mich bei der Wohnungssuche.
My parents are supporting me in my search for an apartment.