presumptuous request
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presumptuous request
A demand, proposal, or wish that is perceived as inappropriate, outrageous, or unreasonable.
Ihr Ansinnen, dass ich am Wochenende unbezahlt arbeite, habe ich entschieden zurückgewiesen.
I firmly rejected her presumptuous request that I work unpaid at the weekend.
'Ansinnen' (presumptuous request) is a word from elevated, formal language. It always has a negative connotation and describes a wish or proposal that one perceives as outrageous or inappropriate.
Sein Ansinnen, ich solle für seinen Fehler die Verantwortung übernehmen, war eine Frechheit.
His presumptuous request that I should take responsibility for his mistake was an impertinence.
The content of the outrageous wish is often explained by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). The structure is: 'das Ansinnen, dass ...' (the request that ...) or 'das Ansinnen, zu ...' (the request to ...).
Das Ansinnen, auch am Feiertag zu arbeiten, stieß auf großen Widerstand.
The request to work on the public holiday as well met with strong resistance.
Since an 'Ansinnen' (presumptuous request) is negative, it is often combined with verbs of rejection such as 'zurückweisen' (to reject), 'ablehnen' (to refuse/reject), or 'sich widersetzen' (to resist). Typical adjectives are 'unverschämt' (outrageous), 'inakzeptabel' (unacceptable), or 'absurd' (absurd).
Der Betriebsrat wies das Ansinnen der Geschäftsführung entschieden zurück.
The works council firmly rejected management's presumptuous request.
wish
'der Wunsch' and 'das Ansinnen' can both mean an expressed request or concern. 'Wunsch' is neutral and can sound friendly or completely normal. 'Ansinnen' is used when a request or demand is perceived as inappropriate, cheeky, or too much. The word sounds rather formal and often critical. The words can be confused because both describe something that someone wants from another person. If the concern is normal, you say 'Wunsch'. If you want to show that you find the demand inappropriate, 'Ansinnen' fits.
Der Chef lehnte das Ansinnen ab, am selben Tag noch zehn Überstunden zu machen.
The boss rejected the presumptuous request to work ten more hours of overtime that same day.
In ihrer E-Mail nennt sie den Wunsch, das Zimmer mit Meerblick zu bekommen.
In her email, she mentions the request to get the room with a sea view.