verb

beantragen

apply for · apply

Etwas offiziell verlangen, zum Beispiel ein Formular ausfüllen, um etwas zu bekommen.

Definition & meaning

The verb beantragen means to formally request, to apply for, or to move for something. It is typically used in bureaucratic, legal, or formal contexts where an official process is required to obtain a benefit, permission, or a decision.

To apply for: Used when requesting something tangible or official, such as a passport, a subsidy, or a loan.
To move for / Propose: Used in formal meetings or legal proceedings (e.g., in a court of law or a parliament) to suggest that a specific action be taken or a decision be made.

Grammar & Word origin

Beantragen is a separable, transitive verb. In a sentence, the prefix be- is inseparable, while the root antragen follows the rules of separable verbs.

Grammar: It requires the accusative case for the object being requested.
Word origin: It is composed of the prefix be- (a prefix often used to turn verbs into transitive ones) and the verb tragen (to carry). Historically, it relates to the concept of "carrying a request to someone."