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einen Antrag ablehnen
/ˈaɪ̯nən ˈantʁaːk ˌapˈleːnən/
to reject an application
Der Antrag wurde abgelehnt, weil die Unterlagen unvollständig waren.
The application was rejected because the documents were incomplete.
formal
To formally refuse an official request, proposal, or application.
Die Behörde lehnte seinen Antrag auf Arbeitserlaubnis ab.
The authority rejected his application for a work permit.
Der Verein lehnte den Antrag auf Mitgliedschaft ab.
The club rejected the membership application.
Commonly used in administrative, legal, or organizational contexts.
Collocations
einen Antrag auf etwas ablehnento reject an application for somethingeinen Antrag ablehnen müssento have to reject an applicationeinen Antrag schriftlich ablehnento reject an application in writing
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
This phrase is formal. In informal contexts, you might hear 'keinen Bock haben' (to not have the desire) or 'abblitzen lassen' (to turn down), but these are slang and not suitable for official use.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always clarify what type of application is being rejected (e.g., 'Antrag auf Visum' for visa application, 'Antrag auf Förderung' for funding application).
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'Antrag' (request, application) from Middle High German 'antraget' (to propose) and 'ablehnen' (to reject) from Old High German 'ablenken' (to turn away). The verb 'ablehnen' itself is a compound of 'ab-' (away) and 'lehnen' (to lean).
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in formal contexts such as government offices, companies, or organizations when an official request is denied. It is not used in casual conversation.
Word Breakdown
einen
an (indefinite article in accusative case)
articleAntrag
application, request
nounablehnen
to reject, refuse
verbDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch