der Antrag

Definition & meaning

Der Antrag is a formal request or application asking an authority, organization, or person to approve or provide something. Depending on context, it can also mean a motion submitted for consideration or a proposal put forward for a decision.

Examples include an application for financial support, a request for a permit, or a motion in a committee or parliament.

Grammar & Word origin

Antrag is a masculine noun. Its plural is Anträge; the genitive singular is Antrags or Antrages.

It is formed from an- and tragen (“to carry”). The word’s historical sense is connected with bringing or submitting something for consideration.

Synonyms & antonyms

The best synonym depends on the context:

• das Gesuch ↗ is a formal request, often addressed to an authority. It is close in meaning but can sound more specifically like a petition.
• die Bewerbung ↗ means an application for a job or place of study; it is narrower than Antrag.
• der Vorschlag ↗ is a suggestion or proposal and does not necessarily involve a formal request.
• der Antrag ↗, in parliamentary or organizational contexts, is a formal motion submitted for discussion or a vote.

There is no exact general antonym. Depending on the context, die Ablehnung ↗ (“rejection”) or die Rücknahme ↗ (“withdrawal”) may describe the opposite outcome or action.

Common phrases & collocations

• einen Antrag stellen — to submit an application or request
• einen Antrag einreichen — to file an application or motion
• einen Antrag genehmigen — to approve an application
• einen Antrag ablehnen — to reject an application
• ein Antrag auf Unterstützung ↗ — an application for support
• ein Antrag auf Erteilung ↗ einer Genehmigung ↗ — an application for the granting of a permit