voraussetzen
to require
To have something as a necessary condition or requirement for something else.
EXAMPLE
Diese Stelle setzt mehrjährige Berufserfahrung voraus.
This position requires several years of professional experience.
voraussetzen
to require / assume
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Meanings
voraussetzen
to assume
To take something as given or true without it being proven; to proceed on the assumption of something.
EXAMPLE
Ich setze voraus, dass alle die E-Mail gelesen haben und informiert sind.
I assume that everyone has read the email and is informed.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Voraussetzen' (to require / assume) is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'voraus' stands at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Kurs setzt gute Englischkenntnisse voraus.
The course requires good English skills.
Word structure
The word consists of 'voraus' (in advance) and 'setzen' (to set/put). The literal meaning is 'to set something in advance as a condition or as true'. This explains both main meanings: 'to require' and 'to assume'.
EXAMPLE
Für diese Wanderung setzen wir eine gute Kondition voraus.
For this hike, we require good physical fitness.
Context clues
If the subject is a person ('Ich setze voraus...' — I assume...), it usually means 'to assume'. If the subject is a thing ('Der Job setzt voraus...' — The job requires...), it means 'to require'.
EXAMPLE
Ich setze einfach mal voraus, dass du einverstanden bist.
I'll simply assume that you agree.
Sentence structure with 'dass'
In the meaning of 'to assume', 'voraussetzen' is very often used with a subordinate clause introduced by 'dass' (that). This subordinate clause describes the assumption.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer setzte voraus, dass alle Schüler das Buch gelesen hatten.
The teacher assumed that all the students had read the book.
Compare with
voraussetzen vs annehmen
to accept / assume
„Annehmen“ and „voraussetzen“ can both involve proceeding from something unproven. „Annehmen“ expresses a provisional assumption, whereas „voraussetzen“ treats that assumption as a firm basis for something else. Use „annehmen“ for an uncertain assessment and „voraussetzen“ for a necessary prerequisite.
voraussetzen
Der Kurs setzt voraus, dass alle Teilnehmenden pünktlich kommen.
The course assumes that all participants will arrive on time.
annehmen
Wir nehmen an, dass alle Gäste pünktlich kommen, obwohl wir es nicht sicher wissen.
We assume that all the guests will arrive on time, although we do not know for sure.
In real life
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