Unterstützer

Unterstützer is a German noun meaning a person or entity that provides support or backing to someone or something. It is derived from unterstützen (to support) and is used in a wide range of contexts, including politics, nonprofit work, business, culture, and everyday life. The term denotes active backing, which can be financial, logistical, moral, or practical, rather than a formal authority.

Contexts: In politics or civic life, supporters back a candidate, policy, movement, or organization. In fundraising and philanthropy, supporters are donors or sponsors who contribute resources. In corporate, academic, or cultural settings, supporters may assist with advocacy, expertise, or logistical help. The feminine form is Unterstützerin; the plural is Unterstützerinnen for women and Unterstützer for mixed or masculine groups. In gender-inclusive writing, forms such as Unterstützerinnen und Unterstützer or Unterstützer*innen may be used.

Nuance: Befürworter denotes explicit endorsement of a position, while Unterstützer emphasizes general backing or alignment. Anhänger suggests followers or adherents, and Förderer emphasizes financial or material support, sometimes in a formal relationship.

See also: Befürworter, Förderer, Sponsor, Anhänger, Patron.