assistance / guidance
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assistance / guidance
The support or guidance you give someone to help them with a task or a problem. Often it is about showing someone how something is done.
Der Lehrer gab den Schülern Hilfestellung bei der schwierigen Matheaufgabe.
The teacher gave the students assistance with the difficult math problem.
The word consists of 'Hilfe' (help) and 'Stellung' (placing/positioning). The ending '-ung' makes it a feminine noun and gives it a more formal, more official character than the simple word 'Hilfe' (help).
Für den Anfang benötigen wir noch etwas Hilfestellung.
To get started, we still need a little assistance.
'Hilfestellung' (assistance/guidance) is very often combined with the verbs 'geben' (to give) or the more formal 'leisten' (to provide/render). If you need help, you can say that you 'Hilfestellung benötigt' (need assistance).
Können Sie mir bei diesem Formular bitte Hilfestellung geben?
Could you please give me some assistance with this form?
To specify the area in which help is being provided, you use the preposition 'bei' followed by the dative.
Ich brauche Hilfestellung bei der Installation der Software.
I need assistance with installing the software.
help
'die Hilfe' and 'die Hilfestellung' both mean support. 'Hilfe' is broader and can be any kind of support, including physical or practical help, or help in an emergency. 'Hilfestellung' often means targeted support with a task, especially through an explanation, guidance, or a tip. The words can be confused because 'Hilfestellung' is a form of 'Hilfe'. When someone supports another person in a general way, you usually say 'Hilfe'. When someone shows how to do something or gives guidance while learning, 'Hilfestellung' is more precise.
Zur Vorbereitung auf das Projekt gab die Lehrerin den Schülern eine kurze Hilfestellung.
To prepare for the project, the teacher gave the students brief guidance.
Emma braucht Hilfe, weil sie die schweren Einkaufstaschen nicht allein tragen kann.
Emma needs help because she cannot carry the heavy shopping bags by herself.