Ablehnung

Ablehnung is a German noun meaning rejection, refusal, or denial. It stems from the verb ablehnen (to reject, refuse) and the noun-forming suffix -ung. In everyday language and in formal contexts, it denotes the act of turning down a proposal, application, or suggestion, or the absence of consent.

Common uses include describing a response: for example, "Ich lehne das Angebot ab." In administrative and legal contexts, "Ablehnung" refers to the denial of an application or request, and the related document is called an "Ablehnungsbescheid" (official notice of denial). Phrases such as "Ablehnung eines Antrags" or "Abweisung" are used to describe the act of refusal, while "Zustimmung" or "Annahme" denote agreement or acceptance. In political settings, one speaks of the "Ablehnung" of a proposal or resolution, often contrasted with approval.

In jurisprudence, "Ablehnung" can also denote the disqualification or recusal of a judge or expert due to perceived lack of impartiality; a party may file an "Ablehnungsgesuch" seeking the removal of a person from a case. In sociology and psychology, "soziale Ablehnung" refers to social rejection or exclusion by others.

Synonyms include Abweisung, Zurückweisung, Verweigerung, and Absage, while antonyms are Zustimmung, Annahme, and Genehmigung. The term carries a neutral descriptive tone but may convey negative connotations depending on context.