der Helfer
helper
A person who helps someone else with an activity or in a difficult situation, or provides support.
EXAMPLE
Beim Umzug hatten wir zum Glück viele fleißige Helfer.
Luckily, we had many hardworking helpers for the move.
der Helfer
helper
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Meanings
der Helfer
helper / aid
An object, tool, or aid that makes a specific task easier. Often used in the form 'kleiner Helfer' (little helper).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Flaschenöffner ist ein praktischer Helfer in der Küche.
This bottle opener is a practical helper in the kitchen.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Der Helfer' (the helper) is derived from the verb 'helfen' (to help). The ending '-er' is added to the verb stem to refer to a male person who performs this activity. This pattern is very common in German.
EXAMPLE
Wer anderen hilft, ist ein Helfer.
Someone who helps others is a helper.
Typical collocations
When a person is meant, 'Helfer' (helper) is often combined with adjectives such as 'freiwillig' (voluntary), 'fleißig' (hardworking), or 'ehrenamtlich' (volunteer/unpaid). A well-known expression is also 'Helfer in der Not' (helper in need).
EXAMPLE
Für das Fest suchen wir noch freiwillige Helfer.
We are still looking for volunteer helpers for the festival.
Context clue
When 'Helfer' (helper) refers to a tool or object, it is often used with adjectives such as 'klein' (small), 'praktisch' (practical), or 'nützlich' (useful). The context, e.g. 'Küche' (kitchen), 'Haushalt' (household), or 'Garten' (garden), also makes this meaning clear.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Korkenzieher ist ein praktischer Helfer.
This corkscrew is a practical helper.
Compare with
Helfer vs Hilfe
help
Hilfe and Helfer can refer to the same support with a task. Hilfe describes the assistance someone receives or how useful it is; Helfer explicitly names the person who helps. Use Hilfe for the assistance and Helfer for the person involved.
Helfer
Mein Bruder war beim Umzug ein wichtiger Helfer.
My brother was an important helper during the move.
Hilfe
Mein Bruder war beim Umzug eine große Hilfe.
My brother was a great help with the move.
In real life
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