name change
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name change
The official, usually legal or administrative act of changing one's first name or last name.
Nach der Heirat hat sie beim Standesamt eine Namensänderung beantragt.
After the wedding, she applied for a name change at the registry office.
The word is composed of 'Name' (name), with the linking -s in 'Namens-', and 'Änderung' (change). So it literally means an 'Änderung des Namens' (change of name). The linking -s connects the two parts of the word.
Eine Namensänderung ist oft mit viel Bürokratie verbunden.
A name change often involves a lot of bureaucracy.
Since this is an official act, 'Namensänderung' (name change) is often used with bureaucratic verbs. Typical combinations are 'eine Namensänderung beantragen' (to apply for a name change), 'genehmigen' (to approve), or 'vornehmen' (to carry out).
Für die Namensänderung müssen Sie mehrere Formulare ausfüllen.
For the name change, you have to fill out several forms.
A 'Namensänderung' (name change) usually takes place within a specific legal framework. Common contexts are therefore 'Heirat' (marriage), 'Scheidung' (divorce), or 'Einbürgerung' (naturalization). The responsible authority is often the 'Standesamt' (registry office).
Viele Paare entscheiden sich bei der Heirat gegen eine Namensänderung.
Many couples decide against a name change when they get married.
renaming
'die Umbenennung' and 'die Namensänderung' can both mean that a name is changed. In many situations, they are very close in meaning. However, 'Umbenennung' is broader and works well for streets, companies, schools, files, or places that get a new name. 'Namensänderung' sounds especially natural when it is about a person's official name, for example a first name or last name in dealings with an authority. The words can be confused because both describe a change of name. For things and places, 'Umbenennung' often fits; for personal and official names, 'Namensänderung' often fits.
Die Eltern beantragen nach der Hochzeit eine Namensänderung für das Kind.
After the wedding, the parents are applying for a name change for the child.
Nach der Umbenennung heißt das Stadion jetzt anders.
After the renaming, the stadium now has a different name.