01
die Hilfe
help
The act of supporting someone or making a task easier.
example
Ich brauche deine Hilfe bei den Hausaufgaben.
I need your help with the homework.
die Hilfe
help
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Hilfe' (help) belongs to a word family around the verb 'helfen' (to help). Related words are the adjective 'hilfreich' (helpful/useful) and its opposite 'hilflos' (helpless/without help).
EXAMPLE
Deine Notizen waren sehr hilfreich für die Prüfung.
Your notes were very helpful for the exam.
Typical verbs
'Hilfe' (help) is often combined with certain verbs. You can say 'Hilfe brauchen' (to need help), 'Hilfe anbieten' (to offer help), 'Hilfe leisten' (to provide help), or 'um Hilfe bitten' (to ask for help).
EXAMPLE
Zögern Sie nicht, um Hilfe zu bitten, wenn Sie sie brauchen.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Correct preposition
To express what someone needs support with, German uses the preposition 'bei' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte bei der Übersetzung dieses Satzes helfen?
Can you please help me with the translation of this sentence?
Use as an exclamation
As a single exclamation, 'Hilfe!' (Help!) is used only in real emergency or dangerous situations to attract attention. It works like a complete sentence.
EXAMPLE
Hilfe! Jemand hat meine Tasche gestohlen!
Help! Someone has stolen my bag!
Fixed combination
The expression 'Erste Hilfe' (first aid) is a fixed combination. The typical verb used with it is 'leisten' (to provide/give).
EXAMPLE
Jeder Autofahrer ist verpflichtet, bei einem Unfall Erste Hilfe zu leisten.
Every driver is required to give first aid in an accident.
Compare with
Hilfe vs Unterstützung
support
'die Hilfe' and 'die Unterstützung' both mean that someone manages something more easily because someone or something helps. 'Hilfe' is very general and works well for direct, practical, or quick help. You can also shout 'Hilfe!' (Help!) when something is urgent. 'Unterstützung' often sounds a bit more planned or official, and it can also be moral or financial. Learners can easily confuse the words because they are often similar. As a simple guide: for a concrete action in everyday life, 'Hilfe' often fits; for longer-term assistance, money, or backing, 'Unterstützung' often fits.
Hilfe
Ohne die Hilfe meiner Nachbarin hätte ich den schweren Schrank nicht tragen können.
Without my neighbor's help, I would not have been able to carry the heavy cabinet.
Unterstützung
Für die Ausbildung bekommt Mehmet finanzielle Unterstützung von seinen Eltern.
Mehmet receives financial support from his parents for his training.
In real life
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