Beistand leisten
To provide support
직역: Assistance/standing-by to perform/render
Use it when you are providing significant, meaningful support to someone facing a genuine challenge.
15초 만에
- To provide serious, active support during a difficult time.
- Commonly used in legal, emotional, or professional crisis contexts.
- Implies standing by someone's side as a reliable ally.
뜻
Think of this as being someone's rock or 'second' in a duel. It means to provide active, significant support or to stand by someone during a challenging situation.
주요 예문
3 / 6Supporting a friend during a breakup
Ich werde dir in dieser schweren Zeit Beistand leisten.
I will provide you with support during this difficult time.
A lawyer helping a client
Der Anwalt leistete seinem Mandanten vor Gericht Beistand.
The lawyer provided assistance to his client in court.
Texting a friend before their exam
Soll ich dir morgen beim Examen Beistand leisten und vor dem Raum warten?
Should I provide support tomorrow at the exam and wait outside the room?
문화적 배경
The phrase has roots in medieval legal traditions where a 'Beistand' was a person who stood by a party in court to offer advice. Today, it remains a pillar of German social ethics, emphasizing that no one should have to face the state or a crisis alone. It is particularly common in the context of 'seelischer Beistand' (spiritual/emotional support), often provided by clergy or close friends.
The 'Seelischer' Secret
If someone is going through a breakup or a loss, offer 'seelischen Beistand'. It sounds incredibly empathetic and deep.
Too much for a pizza?
Avoid using this for small favors. If you say 'Ich leiste dir Beistand beim Pizzaessen,' your friends will think you're making fun of their appetite!
15초 만에
- To provide serious, active support during a difficult time.
- Commonly used in legal, emotional, or professional crisis contexts.
- Implies standing by someone's side as a reliable ally.
What It Means
Imagine your best friend is facing a scary meeting. You don't just send a text. You actually show up and sit outside. That is the essence of Beistand leisten. It comes from bei (by) and stehen (to stand). It means you are physically or metaphorically standing right next to someone. It is much stronger than just 'helping.' It implies a sense of duty and solidarity. You are providing a pillar for them to lean on.
How To Use It
You use the noun Beistand with the verb leisten. In German, you don't 'give' support in this formal sense; you 'perform' or 'render' it. You can add adjectives to specify the type of help. For example, seelischer Beistand is emotional or spiritual support. If you are helping someone with paperwork, it might be bürokratischer Beistand. Just remember that leisten changes based on the subject. 'Ich leiste', 'du leistest', and so on. It sounds sophisticated but very sincere.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. It fits perfectly in legal contexts, like helping someone in court. It is also great for heavy emotional moments. Use it when a friend loses a job or a loved one. In professional settings, you might use it when a colleague is being unfairly criticized. It shows you are a reliable ally. It’s the phrase for 'I’ve got your back' when things get serious.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for trivial things. If you help someone carry a grocery bag, don't say you are 'performing assistance.' It sounds like you think you're a superhero for holding a bag of apples. Avoid it in very casual, lighthearted contexts. If you're just giving a friend a lift to the cinema, helfen is enough. Using Beistand leisten there would sound like you're being incredibly dramatic or sarcastic.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Solidarität' (solidarity) and 'Verlässlichkeit' (reliability). This phrase reflects a deep-rooted cultural expectation to help those in need. In German law, there is even a concept called unterlassene Hilfeleistung (failure to provide help). While Beistand leisten isn't always a legal requirement, it carries that weight of moral obligation. It suggests that being a good citizen or friend involves active participation, not just passive sympathy.
Common Variations
You will often hear beistehen as a simple verb. It means the same thing but is slightly less formal. Rechtsbeistand is the specific word for legal counsel. Another common one is Beistand suchen, which means you are looking for that pillar of support. If you want to sound very modern, you might just say 'jemanden unterstützen,' but you lose that beautiful imagery of standing by someone's side.
사용 참고사항
This is a high-level B2/C1 collocation. It makes you sound very articulate and empathetic. Just remember to reserve it for situations that actually require 'standing by' someone, rather than just quick favors.
The 'Seelischer' Secret
If someone is going through a breakup or a loss, offer 'seelischen Beistand'. It sounds incredibly empathetic and deep.
Too much for a pizza?
Avoid using this for small favors. If you say 'Ich leiste dir Beistand beim Pizzaessen,' your friends will think you're making fun of their appetite!
Legal Roots
A 'Beistand' is actually a legal term for a person assisting someone in court. Using it in private life shows you take the support very seriously.
예시
6Ich werde dir in dieser schweren Zeit Beistand leisten.
I will provide you with support during this difficult time.
Here, it refers to emotional presence and being a shoulder to cry on.
Der Anwalt leistete seinem Mandanten vor Gericht Beistand.
The lawyer provided assistance to his client in court.
This is the classic legal usage of the phrase.
Soll ich dir morgen beim Examen Beistand leisten und vor dem Raum warten?
Should I provide support tomorrow at the exam and wait outside the room?
A very kind gesture showing you are physically there for them.
Keine Sorge, ich leiste dir in der Küche Beistand, damit nichts anbrennt!
Don't worry, I'll provide support in the kitchen so nothing burns!
Using a formal phrase for a simple task adds a touch of humor.
Wenn der Chef dich kritisiert, werde ich dir Beistand leisten.
If the boss criticizes you, I will stand by you.
Shows professional solidarity and bravery.
Könntest du mir bei diesem schwierigen Gang zum Amt Beistand leisten?
Could you provide me with support for this difficult trip to the authorities?
Asking for someone to accompany you for moral support.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
In der Not muss man seinen Freunden Beistand ___.
In German, 'Beistand' is almost always paired with 'leisten' in formal or standard contexts.
Which adjective fits best for emotional support?
Sie brauchte nach dem Unfall vor allem ___ Beistand.
'Seelischer Beistand' is a fixed expression for emotional or spiritual support.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of Support in German
General help, like carrying bags.
Kannst du mir helfen?
General support, common in work.
Ich unterstütze dein Projekt.
Formal, deep support in crises.
Er leistete ihr Beistand.
Where to 'Beistand leisten'
Courtroom
Legal aid for a defendant
Hospital
Comforting a sick relative
Difficult Office Meeting
Backing up a colleague
Personal Tragedy
Being there after a loss
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It literally means 'standing by.' It refers to the act of being present and helpful when someone is in a difficult situation.
While people might understand you, it is grammatically 'off.' The standard collocation is always Beistand leisten.
No! While it has legal origins, it is very common for emotional support, like seelischer Beistand (emotional support).
It is formal to neutral. You wouldn't use it for trivial things, but it's perfect for sincere conversations with friends or at work.
Helfen is generic. Beistand leisten implies a deeper level of solidarity and being there during a crisis.
Yes, if a colleague is going through a hard time or facing a challenge, saying 'Ich leiste Ihnen gerne Beistand' is very professional and kind.
Yes, but mostly when talking about serious topics. You won't hear it at a party unless someone is being dramatic.
That means 'to provide first aid.' It uses the same verb leisten because it's a formal service provided in an emergency.
You could, for example, if you are staying with a sick dog overnight, you are dem Hund Beistand leisten.
The noun Beistand is usually used in the singular. You wouldn't really say 'Beistände leisten' in a normal context.
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