challenge / temptation
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legal challenge
A legal action by which the validity of a decision, contract, or will is contested, with the aim of having it declared invalid.
Die Anfechtung des Wahlergebnisses wurde vom Gericht abgewiesen.
The legal challenge to the election result was dismissed by the court.
'Die Anfechtung' (challenge, temptation) comes from the verb 'anfechten'. This literally means to 'fight' (fechten) against something. So you either fight legally against a decision or internally against a doubt.
Die Opposition ficht das Wahlergebnis an.
The opposition is challenging the election result.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Vertrag' (contract), 'Wahl' (election), or 'Testament' (will) point to the legal meaning. Words like 'Glaube' (faith), 'Zweifel' (doubt), 'Seele' (soul), or 'Versuchung' (temptation) point to the emotional or spiritual meaning.
Die Anfechtung des Vertrags war erfolgreich.
The legal challenge to the contract was successful.
In a legal context, an 'Anfechtung' (legal challenge) is often 'eingelegt' (filed/lodged) or 'erhoben' (raised/brought). A court can 'abweisen' (dismiss) an 'Anfechtung' or 'ihr stattgeben' (uphold it). The object of 'Anfechtung' is usually in the genitive.
Gegen das Urteil wurde Anfechtung eingelegt.
A legal challenge was filed against the judgment.
The meaning 'seelischer Zweifel' (emotional/spiritual doubt) belongs to an elevated, often religious or philosophical style. In normal everyday speech, this term is rarely used.
In seiner Autobiografie schreibt er über die Anfechtungen seiner Jugend.
In his autobiography, he writes about the inner struggles of his youth.
doubt
'der Zweifel' and 'die Anfechtung' can both mean that something is not simply accepted. However, 'Zweifel' is usually an inner feeling or thought: you are unsure or do not fully believe something. 'Anfechtung' is much stronger and more specific. In law, it means an action by which you want, for example, to have a contract or decision declared invalid. In emotional or religious texts, 'Anfechtung' can also mean a serious inner struggle. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with uncertainty. In everyday language, however, people usually say 'Zweifel'; 'Anfechtung' fits more in legal or especially serious contexts.
Nach der Beratung prüft die Anwältin die Anfechtung des Vertrags.
After the consultation, the lawyer examines the legal challenge to the contract.
Der Kunde hat Zweifel, weil die Rechnung höher ist als erwartet.
The customer has doubts because the bill is higher than expected.