to subsidize
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to subsidize
To financially support an economic sector, a company, or a cultural institution with public funds (subsidies) in order to promote or preserve it.
Der Staat subventioniert den Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien mit mehreren Milliarden Euro.
The state is subsidizing the expansion of renewable energy with several billion euros.
The verb 'subventionieren' (to subsidize) belongs to the word family of 'die Subvention' (subsidy/financial support). The ending '-ieren' often indicates that a word comes from another language, usually Latin, and has been turned into a German verb.
Ohne staatliche Subventionen können viele Theater nicht überleben.
Without government subsidies, many theaters cannot survive.
This word belongs to formal language and is mainly used in politics, business, and the news. In everyday conversation, people would be more likely to say 'finanziell unterstützen' (to financially support) or 'fördern' (to promote/support).
In der Debatte ging es darum, welche Industriezweige subventioniert werden sollen.
The debate was about which industries should be subsidized.
The verb always needs an accusative object: who or what is being subsidized? Often, the financing institution is also named as the subject. The pattern is: [institution] subsidizes [sector/project].
Die Europäische Union subventioniert die Landwirtschaft in den Mitgliedsstaaten.
The European Union subsidizes agriculture in the member states.
Typically, certain sectors are subsidized. Common objects are: agriculture, culture, research, public transportation, or renewable energy.
Die Regierung plant, den Wohnungsbau stärker zu subventionieren.
The government plans to subsidize housing construction more heavily.
to support
'unterstützen' and 'subventionieren' can both refer to financial help. But 'unterstützen' is much more general: parents, friends, or associations can also support someone, and the help does not always have to be money. 'subventionieren' is more specific and more formal. It means providing financial help with public funds, usually for companies, culture, transport, or entire sectors of the economy. In everyday language, people are more likely to say 'unterstützen'. 'subventionieren' fits when the state or a public body gives money in a targeted way.
Die Stadt subventioniert das kleine Theater, damit es weiter spielen kann.
The city subsidizes the small theater so that it can continue performing.
Die Eltern haben ihren Sohn beim Start in die Selbstständigkeit unterstützt.
The parents supported their son when he started his own business.