German word

Beihilfe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbaɪ̯ˌhɪlfə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsupport

Example

Die Beihilfe der Nachbarn war sehr wichtig.

The neighbors' support was very important.

Illustration for Beihilfe (support)

More examples

Sie beantragten finanzielle Beihilfe beim Sozialamt.

They applied for financial support at the social welfare office.

Core concept

A helper stands beside the main actor and supplies an additional contribution that helps the act succeed.

Common phrases

  • finanzielle Beihilfe

    financial support

  • staatliche Beihilfe

    government support

Similar words

Hilfe: Direct practical help for someone who needs to solve a problem.
Unterstützung: Ongoing support for a goal, project, or activity over time.
Assistenz: Practical assistance with specific tasks beside an expert or manager.
Beistand: Emotional or legal support through a steady, supportive presence.

Definition in German

Beihilfe bezeichnet das Unterstützen oder Mitwirken bei einer Handlung, wobei die Hilfe ergänzend zur Haupttat geleistet wird.

Word origin

The compound Beihilfe consists of bei, near or alongside, and Hilfe, help, forming a word for assistance given alongside an action.

Usage tips

  • Legal German commonly uses Beihilfe zu with a dative noun, as in Beihilfe zu einer Straftat.

Other meanings

  • subsidynoun
  • abetmentnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • beihilflichhelpfuladjective
  • Beihilfepaketsupport packagenoun

Word lists with this word