Akzeptanz

Akzeptanz is a general term for the act or state of accepting something as true, legitimate, or tolerable. It involves acknowledgement, permission, or endorsement without necessarily approving it wholeheartedly. The concept is used across everyday language, psychology, sociology, politics, and technology to describe the degree to which individuals, groups, or institutions recognize and allow a given idea, policy, behavior, or reality.

The term is borrowed from the German verb akzeptieren; etymologically it is linked to Latin acceptāre via French acceptation, and denotes the state or act of accepting.

In psychology and psychotherapy, Akzeptanz denotes a cognitive–emotional stance of recognizing thoughts and feelings without trying to suppress, judge, or control them. It is central to mindfulness-based approaches and to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), where acceptance is paired with commitment to values and actions, rather than avoidance.

In sociology and political science, Akzeptanz describes how widely a policy, social norm, or technology is recognized and tolerated by a population. High Akzeptanz can facilitate implementation and social cohesion, while low Akzeptanz can hinder change, provoke resistance, or lead to polarization. Studies often measure Akzeptanz through surveys, attitude scales, or behavioral indicators.

In technology and business, Akzeptanz refers to user acceptance—whether people are willing to adopt new products or systems. Models such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and UTAUT analyze factors like perceived usefulness and ease of use that drive Akzeptanz.