die Forderung
demand
An emphatic wish or demand that someone makes.
EXAMPLE
Die Hauptforderung der Streikenden ist eine Lohnerhöhung um fünf Prozent.
The main demand of the strikers is a five-percent pay raise.
die Forderung
demand / claim
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Meanings
die Forderung
claim
A legal or business claim to a service or payment, usually the payment of money.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen hat noch offene Forderungen in Höhe von 50.000 Euro.
The company still has outstanding claims amounting to 50,000 euros.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Forderung' (the demand/claim) is derived directly from the verb 'fordern' (to demand). The ending '-ung' turns the action of demanding into a noun.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitarbeiter fordern mehr Lohn, und ihre Forderung ist berechtigt.
The employees are demanding higher wages, and their demand is justified.
Typical verbs
In connection with wishes or demands, a 'Forderung' (demand) is often 'gestellt' (made) or 'erhoben' (raised). When someone meets the demand, the 'Forderung' is 'erfüllt' (fulfilled).
EXAMPLE
Die Gewerkschaft hat die Forderung nach kürzeren Arbeitszeiten gestellt.
The union has made the demand for shorter working hours.
Preposition 'nach'
When describing exactly what is being demanded, German usually uses the preposition 'nach' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Forderung nach mehr Transparenz wurde immer lauter.
The demand for more transparency grew louder and louder.
Context: finance
In a business or legal context, 'Forderung' (claim) almost always refers to a claim to money. Typical verbs here are 'eine Forderung begleichen' (to settle/pay a claim) or 'eine Forderung eintreiben' (to actively collect money owed).
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnung ist überfällig, wir müssen die offene Forderung nun eintreiben.
The invoice is overdue; we now have to collect the outstanding claim.
Compare with
Forderung vs Anspruch
claim / demand
Der Anspruch primarily refers to an existing right or entitlement to a service or benefit. Die Forderung explicitly and often forcefully asserts this right or concern toward someone; when money is involved, it often refers to a payment that is owed. Use „Anspruch“ for the basis of the entitlement and „Forderung“ for the result being demanded.
Forderung
Nach dem Unfall stellte sie dem Unternehmen eine Forderung auf Entschädigung.
After the accident, she submitted a compensation claim to the company.
Anspruch
Nach dem Unfall hat sie Anspruch auf eine Entschädigung.
After the accident, she was entitled to compensation.
In real life
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