Anzuerkennen

Anzuerkennen is the infinitive form with zu of the German verb anerkennen, meaning to recognise or to acknowledge. It is used primarily in formal or written language and appears in constructions that express evaluative or evaluative-judgment statements. In standard use, anzuerkennen can occur in fixed phrases such as Es ist anzuerkennen, dass …, where the clause following the phrase states a proposition that should be acknowledged as true or valid. It also occurs after adjectives or verbs that govern a zu-infinitive, as in etwas anzuerkennen or schwer anzuerkennen.

Grammatical notes

Anzuerkennen belongs to the category of non-finite verb forms formed with zu. The structure Es ist anzuerkennen is common and often marks a conclusion, finding, or normatively acceptable point. It can be contrasted with the shorter zu-infinitive form Es ist zu erkennen, which has a similar meaning but is more literal in tone. In sentences with a finite predicate, anzuerkennen may be followed by a subordinate clause introduced by dass.

Usage and nuance

The expression conveys that something should be recognised as valid, accurate, or legitimate. It is frequent in academic, legal, or policy discourse, where authors assess findings, recommendations, or arguments. While it can replace simpler verbs like erkennen or anerkennen, anzuerkennen emphasizes normative acceptance or the need to acknowledge a fact or conclusion.

Examples

- Es ist anzuerkennen, dass die Ergebnisse robust sind.

- Es ist schwer, das anzuerkennen.

- Die Berichte legen nahe, dass bestimmte Maßnahmen anzuerkennen sind.

Related terms include Anerkennung (noun) and anerkennen (verb).