die Veranlassung
reason
The occasion or reason that leads to a specific action or event. Mostly used in formal language.
EXAMPLE
Ich sehe keine Veranlassung, mich für mein Verhalten zu entschuldigen.
I see no reason to apologize for my behavior.
die Veranlassung
reason / prompting
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Meanings
auf Veranlassung von
at the instigation of
A fixed expression meaning that something happens on someone's instruction or initiative.
EXAMPLE
Die Razzia erfolgte auf Veranlassung der Staatsanwaltschaft.
The raid took place at the instigation of the public prosecutor's office.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Veranlassung' (the reason/prompting) is the noun form of the verb 'veranlassen' (to cause/arrange). When you 'veranlasst' something, you provide the impulse or reason for it. 'Die Veranlassung' is therefore this reason or impulse.
EXAMPLE
Wer hat den Feueralarm veranlasst?
Who triggered the fire alarm?
Typical use
The word is especially often used in negative expressions to say that there is no reason for something. The most common form is 'keine Veranlassung sehen/haben, etwas zu tun' (to see/have no reason to do something).
EXAMPLE
Der Chef sah keine Veranlassung, die Regeln zu ändern.
The boss saw no reason to change the rules.
Register
This word belongs to formal administrative and written language. In normal conversation, one would more likely say 'Grund' (reason) or 'Anlass' (occasion/reason).
EXAMPLE
Es bestand zu keinem Zeitpunkt Veranlassung zur Sorge.
At no point was there any cause for concern.
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf Veranlassung von' is fixed and means 'at the initiative of' or 'on the instruction of'. It is usually followed by a person or an institution in the genitive.
EXAMPLE
Die Untersuchung wurde auf Veranlassung des Ministeriums eingeleitet.
The investigation was initiated at the instigation of the ministry.
Compare with
Veranlassung vs Grund
reason / ground
Grund is the general term for why something happens or is done. Veranlassung can also name the reason that triggers something, but it is usually used in formal language. Grund is therefore often more suitable in everyday situations, while Veranlassung is more common in official descriptions.
Veranlassung
In dem Schreiben wurde eine Beschwerde als Veranlassung für die Kontrolle genannt.
The letter stated that a complaint had prompted the inspection.
Grund
Der Grund für die Kontrolle war eine Beschwerde.
The reason for the inspection was a complaint.
In real life
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