Anlass

Anlass is a German noun (der Anlass) meaning an occasion, reason, or trigger for an action. It can refer to a concrete event that motivates activity as well as to the more general motive or incentive behind a decision. In formal or commemorative contexts, Anlass signals the specific circumstance that prompted the action.

Etymology and range of meaning: The term traces to the German verb anlassen, related to starting or initiating something, and evolved to denote the immediate cause or occasion for an event. The related adverbial expression anlässlich means “on the occasion of” and is commonly used in formal writing.

Usage and phrases: In everyday language one speaks of aus Anlass von to indicate the reason for something, for example aus Anlass des Jubiläums (on the occasion of the anniversary). The reflexive phrase Anlass nehmen means to take the cue or opportunity to act, while Anlass geben means to provide a motive or reason. In journalism and corporate communication, Anlass often labels the motivating factor behind an action or event.

Synonyms and nuances: Similar terms include Grund (reason), Ursache (cause), Motiv (motive), Beweggrund (motive), and Gegebenheit. Nuances differ: Anlass emphasizes the triggering event or occasion, whereas Gelegenheiten stresses opportunity, and Grund/Ursache focus on more general causes.

Examples: Der Anlass der Feier war das Firmenjubiläum. Aus Anlass des Kongresses wird eine neue Studie vorgestellt. Sie nahm den Anlass, eine Rede zu halten.

In English, Anlass translates roughly as occasion, reason, trigger, or prompt, depending on context.