der Support, -s

Definition & meaning

The word "Support" is a loanword from English that is commonly used in German in several contexts:

1. Technical/Customer Service: It refers to the assistance provided by a company to its customers, particularly regarding technical issues or product inquiries. This is often called technischer Kundendienst ?.
2. Computing: It refers to the maintenance and updates provided for software or hardware to ensure it remains functional and secure.
3. Music/Events: It refers to a supporting act or a warm-up band that performs before the main act at a concert.
4. General assistance: It can also mean general backing, help, or encouragement for a person or a cause.

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: It is a masculine noun (der Support). The plural form is "die Supports".
• Origin: It is a direct adoption from the English noun "support" and the verb "to support". In German, it has largely replaced traditional German terms in corporate and IT environments.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Unterstützung ? (general support/help)
• Beistand ? (moral or legal support)
• Hilfestellung ? (guidance/assistance)
• Kundendienst ? (customer service)
• Vorband ? (supporting act in music)

Antonyms:

• Ablehnung ? (rejection)
• Widerstand ? (resistance)
• Behinderung ? (hindrance/obstruction)