01
die Zurückweisung
rejection
The act of rejecting or not accepting a person, a request, an offer, or a proposal.
example
Seine Zurückweisung nach dem Date hat sie sehr verletzt.
His rejection after the date hurt her a lot.
die Zurückweisung
rejection
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Die Zurückweisung' (the rejection) is a noun derived from the separable verb 'zurückweisen' (to reject). The prefix 'zurück-' (back) and the verb 'weisen' (to show, to guide) create the meaning 'abweisen' (to reject). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun.
EXAMPLE
Die Zurückweisung seines Vorschlags war für alle überraschend.
The rejection of his proposal was surprising to everyone.
Sentence structure with genitive
What is rejected often appears in the genitive directly after the noun. Alternatively, a 'von' construction can also be used.
EXAMPLE
Die Zurückweisung des Angebots erfolgte schriftlich.
The rejection of the offer was made in writing.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about feelings, relationships, or personal offers, the general sense of rejection is meant. In connection with words like 'Antrag' (application), 'Behörde' (authority), or 'Gericht' (court), the formal, legal meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Zurückweisung durch seine Freunde hat ihn tief getroffen.
The rejection by his friends hit him deeply.
Typical collocations
In a personal context, 'Zurückweisung' (rejection) is often combined with verbs such as 'erfahren' (to experience), 'erleben' (to experience), or 'verkraften' (to cope with). Adjectives that describe the emotional effect include 'schmerzhaft' (painful) or 'kränkend' (hurtful).
EXAMPLE
Es ist nicht leicht, eine solche Zurückweisung zu verkraften.
It is not easy to cope with such a rejection.
Register: official language
The meaning of formal rejection is typical of administrative and legal language. In everyday conversations, people would usually use simpler wording.
EXAMPLE
Der Bescheid enthielt die offizielle Zurückweisung seines Asylgesuchs.
The notice contained the official rejection of his asylum request.
Compare with
Zurückweisung vs Annahme
assumption / acceptance
'die Annahme' and 'die Zurückweisung' are opposites here. 'die Annahme' means that something is accepted or officially approved, for example an offer, an application, or a proposal. 'die Zurückweisung' means that something is rejected and not accepted. The word often sounds formal and also fits contexts involving authorities or courts. Put simply: with 'die Annahme', someone says yes; with 'die Zurückweisung', someone says no.
Zurückweisung
Nach dem Gespräch kam die Zurückweisung des Antrags per Brief.
After the meeting, the rejection of the application arrived by letter.
Annahme
Die Annahme des Angebots muss bis Freitag schriftlich erfolgen.
Acceptance of the offer must be made in writing by Friday.
In real life
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