kandidieren
to run
To seek a political office, function, or position in order to be elected.
EXAMPLE
Sie kandidiert bei der nächsten Wahl für den Bundestag.
She is running for the Bundestag in the next election.
kandidieren
to run
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Meanings
kandidieren
to be nominated
To apply for or be nominated for a prize, award, or membership.
EXAMPLE
Der Film kandidiert für den Oscar als bester ausländischer Film.
The film is nominated for the Oscar for best foreign film.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'kandidieren' (to run / to be nominated) belongs to the word family of 'der Kandidat' (the male candidate) and 'die Kandidatin' (the female candidate). The ending '-ieren' is typical of many verbs that come from foreign languages, and it is always conjugated regularly.
EXAMPLE
Der amtierende Bürgermeister hat viele Kandidaten gegen sich.
The incumbent mayor has many candidates running against him.
Sentence structure with prepositions
'Kandidieren' (to run / to be nominated) is often used with the prepositions 'für' (for) and 'als' (as). You run 'für' an office (accusative) and 'als' a certain person or role (nominative).
EXAMPLE
Er kandidiert für den Posten des Schatzmeisters.
He is running for the position of treasurer.
Typical collocations
In a political context, 'kandidieren' (to run) is often combined with 'für ein Amt' (for an office), 'für eine Partei' (for a party), or 'bei einer Wahl' (in an election). You can also run 'gegen' (against) another person.
EXAMPLE
Bei der nächsten Kommunalwahl kandidiert er für die Grünen.
In the next local election, he is running for the Greens.
Context: prizes & awards
In this meaning, the word is used in the context of art, culture, or science. Typical phrases are 'für einen Preis kandidieren' (to be nominated for a prize) or 'für eine Auszeichnung kandidieren' (to be nominated for an award).
EXAMPLE
Die Autorin kandidiert mit ihrem neuen Roman für den Deutschen Buchpreis.
The author is nominated for the German Book Prize with her new novel.
Compare with
kandidieren vs beantragen
to apply for
Both words can be associated with a position in an organization. „Beantragen“ refers to formally applying for admission or approval, whereas „kandidieren“ means putting yourself forward for a position that others will decide on. You beantragt membership, but kandidiert for an office.
kandidieren
Mara kandidiert für einen Sitz im Vorstand des Sportvereins.
Mara is running for a seat on the sports club's board.
beantragen
Mara beantragt die Mitgliedschaft im Sportverein.
Mara applies for membership in the sports club.
In real life
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