Entgegennehmen

Entgegennehmen is a German verb meaning to receive or accept something that is offered or presented. It is used in formal and semi-formal contexts for items such as letters, invitations, deliveries, offers, or information. The emphasis is on the act of taking possession or acknowledging what is being offered.

Grammar and usage notes: entgegnehmen is a separable prefix verb. In present tense you say ich nehme entgegen, du nimmst entgegen, er nimmt entgegen, etc. In perfect tense you typically use habe with the past participle entgegengenommen (ich habe Ihre Einladung entgegengenommen). The phrase takes a direct object: ich nehme die Lieferung gerne entgegen; ich nehme Ihre Nachricht dankend entgegen.

Usage context and nuance: entgegnehmen is generally more formal than synonyms like annehmen (to accept) or erhalten (to receive). It is common in business correspondence and official communication when accepting offers, orders, invitations, or information. It can also refer to physically accepting a delivery or receipt of documents, sometimes implying courtesy or formal acknowledgment.

Examples:

- Ich nehme Ihre Einladung gerne entgegen. (I would be happy to accept your invitation.)

- Der Kunde nahm die Lieferung dankbar entgegen. (The customer gratefully received the delivery.)

- Wir können Ihre Bitte leider nicht entgegennehmen. (We are unfortunately unable to accept your request.)

See also: annehmen, erhalten, empfangen, Entgegennahme. These terms cover related senses of receiving or accepting, with varying degrees of formality and emphasis.