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annehmen
/ˈanˌneːmən/
assume
Ich nehme an, dass du recht hast.
I assume you're right.
neutral
to assume or suppose something based on available information
Er nimmt an, dass die Sitzung um 10 Uhr beginnt.
He assumes the meeting starts at 10 AM.
Ich nehme an, dass es morgen regnen wird.
I suppose it will rain tomorrow.
Often used with 'dass' clauses (that-clauses) in German.
neutral
to accept or take something offered
Sie hat das Geschenk angenommen.
She accepted the gift.
Er nahm die Einladung an.
He accepted the invitation.
Can refer to physical objects, invitations, or abstract offers.
neutral
to adopt or take on a characteristic, role, or appearance
Das Tier nahm die Farbe des Blattes an.
The animal took on the color of the leaf.
Er nahm eine neue Identität an.
He adopted a new identity.
Often used with abstract nouns like 'Rolle' (role) or 'Identität' (identity).
Law
formal
in law: to accept a legal document or responsibility
Der Richter nahm die Klage an.
The judge accepted the lawsuit.
Refers to the formal acceptance of a legal action or document.
Collocations
etwas annehmento accept somethingeine Rolle annehmento take on a roleeine Einladung annehmento accept an invitationetwas für wahr annehmento assume something to be true
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context matters
The meaning of 'annehmen' changes based on context. If it's followed by a noun, it usually means 'to accept' or 'to adopt.' If it's followed by 'dass,' it means 'to assume.'
Gold Rule
Common mistake: 'annehmen' vs. 'annehmen lassen'
'Annehmen' means 'to assume' or 'to accept,' while 'annehmen lassen' means 'to let someone assume' or 'to imply.' Example: 'Das lässt mich annehmen, dass...' (This makes me assume that...).
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'annēmen', from Old High German 'anneman', from Proto-Germanic '*andnimaną' (to take, receive), from '*nemaną' (to take) with the prefix '*anda-' (toward). Related to English 'to take' and Dutch 'aannemen'.
Usage Notes
The verb 'annehmen' is highly versatile and context-dependent. Pay attention to whether it refers to assuming something, accepting something, or adopting something. In formal contexts, it can also mean 'to adopt' (e.g., a child).
Word Breakdown
an-
prefix indicating direction or completion
prefixnehmen
to take
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