die Spende
donation
A voluntary contribution in the form of money or goods for a charitable, nonprofit, or religious purpose.
EXAMPLE
Jede Spende hilft uns, das Tierheim weiter zu betreiben.
Every donation helps us keep running the animal shelter.
die Spende
donation
die Spende, die Spenden
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Spende
donation
The voluntary giving of substances or parts of one's own body, such as blood, plasma, or organs, for medical purposes.
EXAMPLE
Die Spende eines Organs kann ein Leben retten.
The donation of an organ can save a life.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Spende, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Spenden |
| genitive | der Spende |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Spende | die Spenden |
| accusative | die Spende | die Spenden |
| dative | der Spende | den Spenden |
| genitive | der Spende | der Spenden |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Spende' is the noun for the verb 'spenden' (to donate). While 'spenden' describes the action, 'die Spende' refers to the result—that is, the money, item, or substance that is given.
EXAMPLE
Er spendet regelmäßig für den Tierschutz.
He regularly donates to animal welfare.
Seine letzte Spende betrug 50 Euro.
His last donation was 50 euros.
Typical verbs
In connection with money or items, 'Spende' is often combined with the verbs 'machen' (to make), 'sammeln' (to collect), or 'bitten' (to ask/request). You can make a donation or ask for a donation.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation bittet um Spenden für die Opfer der Katastrophe.
The organization is asking for donations for the victims of the disaster.
Viele Leute haben für das neue Dach der Schule eine Spende gemacht.
Many people made a donation for the school's new roof.
Correct prepositions
When naming the purpose and recipient of a donation, you typically use 'für' (for) for the purpose and 'an' (to) for the organization.
EXAMPLE
Die Spende ist für ein lokales Umweltprojekt bestimmt.
The donation is intended for a local environmental project.
Bitte richten Sie Ihre Spende direkt an die Hilfsorganisation.
Please send your donation directly to the aid organization.
Medical donations
In the medical field, 'Spende' is often used as part of compound words. The most common are 'die Blutspende' (blood donation), 'die Organspende' (organ donation), and 'die Plasmaspende' (plasma donation).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war er auf eine Blutspende angewiesen.
After the accident, he depended on a blood donation.
Die Bereitschaft zur Organspende ist sehr wichtig.
Willingness to donate organs is very important.
Compare with
Spende vs Opfer
victim / sacrifice
“Opfer” and “Spende” can both refer to a religiously motivated gift. An “Opfer” is presented to a deity in a ritual; a “Spende” voluntarily supports a religious purpose or a recipient.
Spende
Während des Gottesdienstes gab sie eine Spende für die Renovierung der Kirche.
During the service, she made a donation toward renovating the church.
Opfer
Während des Rituals legte sie ihr Opfer auf den Altar.
During the ritual, she placed her offering on the altar.
In real life
Loading video examples...