to advocate / plead
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to advocate for
To speak out strongly in favor of something; to argue in support of a particular cause, idea, or measure.
Die Opposition plädiert für eine sofortige Senkung der Steuern.
The opposition advocates for an immediate reduction in taxes.
to plead
In a legal context, to make a specific statement on the question of guilt. For example, one can plead 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.
Der Angeklagte plädierte auf nicht schuldig.
The defendant pleaded not guilty.
to make a closing argument
In court proceedings, to give the closing statement or closing argument (the plea) in which one's own position is summarized.
Morgen wird die Staatsanwaltschaft in diesem aufsehenerregenden Fall plädieren.
Tomorrow the prosecution will make its closing argument in this sensational case.
The preposition after 'plädieren' (to advocate / plead) changes the meaning. 'Plädieren für etwas' (accusative) means that you support something. 'Plädieren auf etwas' (accusative) is used only in court to state one's guilt or innocence.
Die Bürgerinitiative plädiert für mehr Grünflächen in der Stadt.
The citizens' initiative advocates for more green spaces in the city.
The verb 'plädieren' (to advocate / plead) is closely connected with the noun 'das Plädoyer' (plea / closing argument). A 'Plädoyer' is the closing speech of a lawyer or prosecutor in court.
Der Anwalt hielt ein emotionales Plädoyer für seinen Mandanten.
The lawyer gave an emotional closing argument for his client.
'Plädieren' (to advocate / plead) is a formal word used mainly in written language, in political discussions, or in legal contexts. It is rather rare in normal everyday speech.
Der Experte plädierte in seinem Vortrag für eine neue Strategie.
In his lecture, the expert advocated for a new strategy.
When you are arguing that something should be done, you can use the construction 'dafür plädieren, dass ...' (to advocate that ...) or 'dafür plädieren, ... zu + infinitive' (to advocate doing ...).
Ich plädiere dafür, dass wir die Entscheidung vertagen.
I advocate that we postpone the decision.
to pronounce / express
Sich für etwas aussprechen means publicly showing approval and stating a position. Für etwas plädieren goes further: the person strongly advocates it and supports their position with arguments.
In der Sitzung plädiert Eva mit mehreren Argumenten für längere Öffnungszeiten.
At the meeting, Eva argued in favor of longer opening hours, using several arguments.
In der Sitzung spricht sich Eva für längere Öffnungszeiten aus.
At the meeting, Eva spoke out in favor of longer opening hours.
