Annahme

Annahme is a German noun with several related meanings centered on taking to oneself or accepting. It can denote the act of accepting or receiving something, the act of assuming or presuming something, or the act of adopting someone into a family. The word derives from the verb annehmen, meaning to take on or to accept.

In everyday usage, Annahme often refers to accepting an invitation, a proposal, or a gift. It can also mean the reception of goods or information, as in the general sense of taking something in or acknowledging it. The plural form is Annahmen.

In logic, philosophy, and mathematics, Annahme denotes a premise or hypothesis used to derive conclusions. Phrases such as unter der Annahme, dass (under the assumption that) and eine Annahme treffen (to make an assumption) are common in formal reasoning and analysis.

In contract and civil law, Annahme refers to the acceptance of an offer. The formation of a contract typically requires an Annahme, a clear and agreed-upon Willenserklärung (declaration of intent) that corresponds to the offer.

In family law, Annahme can describe the act of adopting a child (die Annahme eines Kindes). While Adoption is the standard term in everyday language, Annahme appears in legal contexts to describe the formal act of taking a child into one’s home and family, though usage varies by jurisdiction.

Overall, Annahme encompasses acts of accepting, assuming, or taking something into one's possession or responsibility, with specific meanings depending on the field of application. The verb form is annehmen, the noun form Annahme.