01
die Ablehnung
rejection
The act of rejecting or not accepting a request, an offer, a proposal, or an application.
example
Die Ablehnung seiner Bewerbung hat ihn sehr enttäuscht.
The rejection of his application disappointed him greatly.
die Ablehnung
rejection
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Ablehnung' (the rejection) is the noun form of the separable verb 'ablehnen' (to reject). It describes the action or result when you say 'no' to something.
EXAMPLE
Leider musste die Bank meinen Kreditantrag ablehnen.
Unfortunately, the bank had to reject my loan application.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about a formal decision (application, request), it means rejection. If it is about feelings or social reactions (toward people, ideas), it means a negative attitude.
EXAMPLE
Er erhielt eine schriftliche Ablehnung von der Universität.
He received a written rejection from the university.
Typical collocations
In the context of formal decisions, 'Ablehnung' (rejection) is often combined with nouns such as 'Antrag' (application/request), 'Angebot' (offer), or 'Bewerbung' (job application). You can 'eine Ablehnung erhalten' (receive a rejection) or 'einen Ablehnungsbescheid bekommen' (get a rejection notice).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma begründete die Ablehnung seiner Bewerbung nicht.
The company did not give a reason for the rejection of his application.
Fixed expression
When an idea or proposal is not accepted, the fixed expression 'auf Ablehnung stoßen' (to meet with rejection) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Der Vorschlag, die Arbeitszeiten zu verlängern, stieß bei den Mitarbeitern auf breite Ablehnung.
The proposal to extend working hours met with broad rejection among the employees.
Compare with
Ablehnung vs Widerstand
resistance
'Widerstand' and 'Ablehnung' both show that someone does not want something or does not think it is good. However, 'Ablehnung' is often just a no: you do not accept a proposal, a request, or an application, or you have a negative attitude. 'Widerstand' goes further and sounds more active. It means defending yourself against something or trying to prevent something. The words can be confused because rejection can be the beginning of resistance. In practical terms: 'Ablehnung' is more the negative decision or attitude, while 'Widerstand' is more active action against something.
Ablehnung
Die Ablehnung ihres Antrags kam für Maria völlig überraschend.
The rejection of her application came as a complete surprise to Maria.
Widerstand
Als die Straße gesperrt werden sollte, regte sich Widerstand in der Nachbarschaft.
When the road was supposed to be closed, resistance began to form in the neighborhood.
In real life
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