German word

Hilfe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɪlfə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhelp

Example

Ich brauche Hilfe.

I need some help.

Illustration for Hilfe (help)

More examples

Er konnte ohne Hilfe nicht weiterarbeiten.

He could not continue working without help.

Core concept

A supporting hand that removes an obstacle or makes a difficult task easier.

Common phrases

  • Hilfe brauchen

    need help

  • jemandem Hilfe anbieten

    offer someone help

  • Hilfe annehmen

    accept help

Similar words

Unterstützung: Support that assists with a task or helps overcome a difficulty.
Rettung: Rescue that protects life or safety in dangerous situations or accidents.

Definition in German

Beistand oder Hilfeleistung, die dazu dient, jemandes Problem zu lösen oder eine Aufgabe zu erleichtern.

Word origin

Hilfe comes from Old High German hilfa and Middle High German hülfe, and it is related to helfen and English help through inherited Germanic vocabulary.

Usage tips

  • Hilfe is feminine, so standard forms include die Hilfe, einer Hilfe, and mit Hilfe; the plural Hilfen is used for distinct forms of assistance.

Other meanings

  • assistancenoun
  • aidnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word