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.
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 support
'unterstützen' and 'plädieren' can both mean that you are in favor of an idea, a plan, or a measure. 'unterstützen' is broader: you can approve of an idea, but also do something practical to help it. 'plädieren für' means above all that you clearly speak in favor of something with words and arguments. It sounds more serious and is often used in discussions, politics, or public debates. Learners may confuse the words when it is about agreement. Remember: 'unterstützen' can be both opinion and help, while 'plädieren' is mainly argumentative speaking in favor of something.
In der Sitzung plädierte Frau Becker für eine längere Testphase.
In the meeting, Ms. Becker advocated for a longer test phase.
Viele Kollegen unterstützen den Plan für flexible Arbeitszeiten.
Many colleagues support the plan for flexible working hours.