Bezugnehmend

Bezugnehmend is a German present participle form derived from Bezug nehmen auf, meaning to refer to or to relate to. It is used in formal or bureaucratic language to indicate that the following text concerns or cites something previously mentioned, such as a document, statement, or communication. The common construction is Bezugnehmend auf [object], for example: "Bezugnehmend auf Ihre Anfrage vom 3. März 2024 ..." Variants include "Bezug nehmend auf ..." which is older or less common but still understood.

Grammatical notes: As a non-finite participle, Bezugnehmend functions as a sentence-initial adjunct or as part of a clause, and it does not stand alone as a complete sentence. In practice it often appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, then the main clause. Its use tends to create a formal tone.

Usage and register: Bezugnehmend appears primarily in business correspondence, official letters, and legal or governmental documents. In more everyday writing, speakers and writers may prefer simpler formulations such as "in Bezug auf" or "Bezug auf" to express reference to something previously mentioned.

Relation to other expressions: The phrase "Bezug auf" (in reference to) is related but more neutral and frequent in everyday German, while "Bezugnehmend auf" or "Bezug nehmend auf" conveys a similarly referential function with a formal nuance.

Translation: In English, Bezugnehmend translates roughly as "re, with reference to" or "in reference to." It signals that the subsequent content is connected to an earlier document, statement, or communication.