01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
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 bewerben
to apply / to advertise
'sich bewerben' and 'kandidieren' can both mean that someone wants to get a position. 'sich bewerben' is more general and fits jobs, university places, contracts, or similar opportunities. 'kandidieren' is used when someone is standing for election or is being considered for an office, a function, a prize, or membership. What matters is that with 'kandidieren', there is usually an election, nomination, or decision by others. Learners confuse the words because a candidacy can also involve a kind of application. But for a normal job, you say 'sich bewerben', not 'kandidieren'.
kandidieren
Meine Nachbarin kandidiert im Herbst für den Stadtrat.
My neighbor is running for the city council this fall.
bewerben
Der Verkäufer bewirbt sich um eine Stelle in einem größeren Geschäft.
The salesperson is applying for a job in a larger store.
In real life
Loading video examples...