Absage

/ˈapˌzaːɡə/
noun (feminine)Intermediate cancellation
formal

A formal refusal or cancellation of a previously agreed-upon plan, offer, or invitation.

Nach reiflicher Überlegung musste sie die Einladung zur Hochzeit absagen.

After careful consideration, she had to decline the wedding invitation.

Die Absage des Projekts kam für viele überraschend.

The cancellation of the project came as a surprise to many.

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Commonly used in business, social, and formal contexts.

formal

A rejection or denial of a request, application, or proposal.

Die Firma erhielt eine Absage von der Bank für den Kredit.

The company received a rejection from the bank for the loan.

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Often used in professional or administrative settings.

Collocations

eine Absage erteilento issue a refusaleine Absage erhaltento receive a refusalAbsage auf etwasrejection of something

💡Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Do not confuse *Absage* with *Absagen* (the verb). *Absage* is the noun, while *absagen* is the verb meaning 'to cancel' or 'to decline'.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use *Absage* in formal contexts (e.g., business, official invitations). For informal situations, use *Absagen* or *nein sagen* (e.g., *Ich kann nicht kommen* instead of *Ich gebe eine Absage*).

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German *absage* (refusal, cancellation), derived from Old High German *absagōn* (to say no, to withdraw), composed of *ab-* (away, off) and *sagen* (to say). Related to the verb *absagen* (to cancel, to decline).

📝Usage Notes

Absage is a feminine noun and is typically used in formal or written contexts. It implies a definitive decision rather than a casual change of plans. In spoken German, *Absage* is often replaced by the verb *absagen* (e.g., *Ich muss absagen*).

Word Breakdown

ab-
away/off
prefix
+
-sage
saying
root
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