Both words "Stützung" and "Unterstützung" mean "support". But what is the difference in their application?
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3"Stützung" in rare everyday life, instead people use "Stütze". – Iris Aug 3 '16 at 8:02
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In English, "support" has 2 main definitions:
- Support, as in giving help - "customer support"
- Support, as in holding up - "The pole is supporting level 1 of this building"
"Stützen" here means the second meaning, whereas "unterstützen" the first meaning.
Here are some sentences:
Wie kann ich Sie unterstützen? - How can I help you?
Ich habe meine kranke Mutter gestützt. - I (physically) supported my sick mother.
Wie soll ich Sie stützen? - How should I support you (physically)?
Ich habe meine kranke Mutter unterstützt. - I supported [helped] my sick mother.
