Stützung

Stützung is a German noun meaning the act of supporting, backing, or underpinning something. It stems from the verb stützen and is used in both concrete and abstract contexts to denote what provides support or justification. In everyday language, it can refer to physical support—for example the structural support that keeps a bridge or a beam in place.

In technical and architectural contexts, Stützung refers to the system or action of underpinning or sustaining a load, often involving elements such as supports, props, or buttressing. The term is used for both temporary shoring during construction and permanent reinforcement of structures.

In financial and social language, Stützung denotes backing or subsidies, such as financial support for a program, institution, or family. It can also describe moral or political backing, for instance the Stützung of a policy by a coalition, or support provided by a patron.

In scholarly and legal language, Stützung describes the substantiation of a claim or thesis by evidence, reasoning, or precedent. Phrases like Stützung des Anspruchs or Stützung der These emphasize that an assertion rests on justification rather than merely being asserted.

Synonyms include Unterstützung and Begründung, depending on context; Beweismittel is relevant in legal contexts. The term is somewhat formal and style-sensitive, signaling a foundational or structural sense of support rather than mere assistance.