befürwortest

Befürwortest is the second-person singular present tense form of the German verb befuerworten, meaning to advocate, endorse or support something publicly. It is used when addressing someone informally with du. The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object in the accusative case, such as einen Vorschlag, eine Maßnahme oder ein Gesetz. It can also govern a clause, for example: Du befuerwortest, dass das Gesetz reformiert wird.

Etymology and meaning: befuerworten combines the prefix be- with wort-/worten in the sense of speaking in favor of something. The prefix be- often marks a transitive action directed at a thing or idea. The core sense is to express approval or support for a proposal or course of action, rather than merely feeling favorable.

Usage and nuance: befuerworten is relatively formal and common in political, administrative, or academic contexts, as well as in media reporting on opinions. It conveys deliberate endorsement rather than casual liking. Synonyms include unterstützen (to support), gutheißen (to approve), or beitreten to a position, depending on context. In everyday speech, speakers may prefer simpler verbs like unterstützen or gutheißen, whereas befuerworten carries a stance of formal endorsement.

Noun forms and related terms: die Befürwortung (endorsement, advocacy), der Befürworter/Befürworterin (advocate, proponent). Related phrases include „dafür sein“ but with a different nuance, emphasizing general approval rather than formal endorsement.

Examples: Du befürwortest den Vorschlag. Die Befürwortung dieses Plans stützt sich auf wirtschaftliche Gründe. Die Befürworter argumentieren, dass Reformen notwendig sind.