01
helfen
to help
To support someone with an activity or in solving a problem.
example
Kannst du mir bitte beim Tragen der Kisten helfen?
Can you please help me carry the boxes?
helfen
to help
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Dative verb
'Helfen' (to help) is a verb that always requires the dative. You help 'einer Person' (a person; dative), not 'eine Person' (a person; accusative). This is a very common mistake among German learners.
EXAMPLE
Der Sanitäter half dem verletzten Radfahrer.
The paramedic helped the injured cyclist.
Use with 'bei'
To name the activity with which help is given, German uses the preposition 'bei' (with/at) followed by the dative. The structure is: Person 1 helps Person 2 with thing X.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir gestern bei der Reparatur meines Fahrrads geholfen.
He helped me repair my bicycle yesterday.
Use with 'gegen'
When 'helfen' (to help) means that something is effective, the preposition 'gegen' (against) with the accusative is used to name the problem, such as an illness.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Tee hilft gut gegen Halsschmerzen.
This tea helps well against sore throats.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Es hilft nichts' (nothing can be done/it can't be helped) is a fixed idiom. It is used to express that you have to accept an unpleasant but unchangeable situation.
EXAMPLE
Es hilft nichts, wir müssen bei diesem Regen nach draußen gehen.
Nothing can be done; we have to go outside in this rain.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich bedienen' (to help oneself), 'helfen' (to help) is used reflexively. The reflexive pronoun changes according to the person. It is especially common in the imperative to express hospitality.
EXAMPLE
Bitte, hilf dir! Nimm dir ruhig noch ein Stück Kuchen.
Please, help yourself! Go ahead and take another piece of cake.
Compare with
helfen vs nutzen
to use / benefit
'helfen' and 'nutzen' can both express that something is good or helpful for someone. 'helfen' is used very often when one person supports another, or when a remedy works against a problem. 'nutzen' means either that you use something, or that something brings an advantage. This can easily lead to confusion. 'Ich helfe dir' means support. 'Das nutzt dir' means: It brings you an advantage. Also important: 'etwas nutzen' usually means 'to use something', not 'to help someone'.
helfen
Nach der Nachricht hilft Paul seiner Nachbarin beim Ausfüllen des Formulars.
After the news, Paul helps his neighbor fill out the form.
nutzen
Der Tipp nutzt mir bei der Vorbereitung auf das Gespräch.
The tip helps me prepare for the conversation.
In real life
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