helfen
Translation
helps, assists, aids
Examples
Er hilft seiner Mutter im Garten.
He helps his mother in the garden.
Das Medikament hilft gegen Kopfschmerzen.
The medicine helps against headaches.
Es hilft nichts, wir müssen warten.
It's no use, we have to wait.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) ((with sth.dat)) to help (sb.) with (sth.) He helps me with my homework.
((sb.dat)) to help (sb.) Can you help me?
((against sth.acc)) to be effective against (sth.) These tablets help against a sore throat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: unterstützen (to support), beistehen (to assist); Antonyms: schaden (to harm)
Etymology
From Old High German 'helfan', cognate with the English word 'help'.
Memory Tips
It sounds and means almost the same as the English word 'help'. The German cry for help is "Hilfe!".