ablehnen

/ˈaːpl̩ˌneːn/
verbIntermediate
formal

To reject or decline something or someone, often formally or politely

Der Antrag wurde vom Gericht abgelehnt.

The application was rejected by the court.

Sie lehnte das Angebot höflich ab.

She politely declined the offer.

💡

Commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal, business, or official settings.

Collocations

einen Antrag ablehnento reject an applicationeine Einladung ablehnento decline an invitationeine Bitte ablehnento refuse a request

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

auf Ablehnung stoßenphrase
to encounter rejection

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Usage

'Ablehnen' is more formal than 'ablehnen'. For informal contexts, consider 'ablehnen' or 'ablehnen'.

Gold Rule

Preposition Choice

When using 'ablehnen', the preposition 'auf' is often used with it (e.g., 'auf einen Vorschlag ablehnen').

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'ablehnen', derived from 'ab-' (off) and 'lehnen' (to lean, reject).

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'ablehnen' is often used in formal or official contexts, such as legal, business, or administrative settings. It implies a clear and definitive rejection.

Word Breakdown

ab-
off, away
prefix
+
lehnen
to lean, reject
root
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