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The board formally accepted the proposal during the annual meeting.
Der Vorstand nahm den Vorschlag auf der Jahreshauptversammlung offiziell an.
einen Vorschlag in einer offiziellen, dokumentierten oder feierlichen Weise annehmen, oft nach einer Abstimmung oder Prüfung
After months of negotiations, the committee formally accepted the merger proposal.
Nach monatelangen Verhandlungen nahm das Komitee den Fusionsvorschlag offiziell an.
The city council formally accepted the urban development plan with a unanimous vote.
Der Stadtrat nahm den Stadtentwicklungsplan mit einer einstimmigen Abstimmung offiziell an.
Often used in corporate, legal, or governmental contexts where formality and documentation are required.
einen Heiratsantrag in einer traditionellen, feierlichen Zeremonie annehmen
She formally accepted his proposal in front of their families during the holiday gathering.
Sie nahm seinen Antrag bei der Familienfeier vor der versammelten Familie offiziell an.
Less common than the business/legal sense; implies a ceremonial or public acknowledgment.
In German, 'formally accept' is often translated as 'offiziell annehmen' or 'förmlich annehmen'. Avoid literal translations like 'formell akzeptieren' unless in a very formal context, as 'akzeptieren' can sound overly technical.
Use 'formally accept a proposal' for official, documented decisions (e.g., corporate, legal, or governmental). For personal contexts (e.g., marriage proposals), 'offiziell annehmen' or 'förmlich annehmen' is appropriate, but simpler phrasing like 'annehmen' may suffice.
The phrase combines 'formally' (from Latin *formalis*, relating to form or ceremony) with 'accept' (from Latin *acceptare*, to receive willingly) and 'proposal' (from Latin *proponere*, to put forward). The modern usage in legal/business contexts emerged in the 18th–19th centuries with the rise of structured decision-making processes.
In German business contexts, 'einen Vorschlag offiziell annehmen' is the most natural translation, but 'formell annehmen' or 'förmlich annehmen' can also be used depending on the level of formality. The phrase is typically used when the acceptance is recorded or part of a formal procedure (e.g., board meetings, legislative sessions).