refusal
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refusal
The act of rejecting something or not doing what is demanded or expected of someone. A deliberate rejection of an instruction, request, or duty.
Seine ständige Verweigerung, bei der Hausarbeit zu helfen, führte zu Streit.
His constant refusal to help with the housework led to arguments.
conscientious objection
Specifically the refusal to perform military service for reasons of conscience. Often used as a short form of 'Kriegsdienstverweigerung' (conscientious objection to military service).
Er hat die Verweigerung beantragt und leistet stattdessen Zivildienst.
He applied for conscientious objection and is doing civilian service instead.
The noun 'die Verweigerung' (refusal) is derived directly from the verb 'verweigern' (to refuse). It describes the act of rejecting or refusing something. If you know the verb, you can easily work out the meaning of the noun.
Er verweigerte die Aussage vor Gericht.
He refused to testify in court.
To express exactly what is being refused, 'Verweigerung' (refusal) is often followed by a noun in the genitive. Alternatively, a 'von' construction with the dative can also be used.
Die Verweigerung der Zusammenarbeit erschwerte die Situation.
The refusal to cooperate made the situation more difficult.
This special meaning is usually clear from context. Words like 'Kriegsdienst' (war service), 'Wehrdienst' (military service), or 'Zivildienst' (civilian service) signal that refusal of military service is meant.
Seine Verweigerung des Kriegsdienstes wurde aus Gewissensgründen anerkannt.
His conscientious objection to military service was recognized on grounds of conscience.
rejection
Ablehnung generally means that a request or application is not accepted. Verweigerung emphasizes that someone deliberately fails to carry out a required or expected action. Ablehnung therefore fits an application, while Verweigerung is more appropriate for deliberately failing to do something.
Die Chefin begründete ihre Verweigerung, den genehmigten Urlaub einzutragen.
The boss explained why she refused to record the approved vacation.
Die Chefin begründete die Ablehnung seines Urlaubsantrags.
The boss explained why she had rejected his vacation request.
