Wiederaufnahme

Wiederaufnahme is a German term that generally denotes the act of resuming or restarting something after an interruption, or the process of taking something up again. It can describe both concrete actions and ongoing processes, depending on the context.

In science and medicine, Wiederaufnahme often refers to reuptake or reabsorption. In physiology and pharmacology, it describes the process by which substances such as neurotransmitters are taken back into their releasing cells after release, affecting signal transmission in the nervous system. This use is commonly translated into English as reuptake. In renal physiology, Wiederaufnahme can describe the reabsorption of substances from the filtrate back into the bloodstream as urine is formed.

In legal and administrative contexts, Wiederaufnahme denotes the reopening or resumption of formal proceedings. For example, Wiederaufnahme des Verfahrens refers to a procedure to reopen a previously concluded case, often prompted by new evidence. The term can also appear in more general phrases such as Wiederaufnahme von Verhandlungen, meaning the resumption or revival of negotiations.

In cultural and media contexts, Wiederaufnahme can indicate the revival or re-release of a production. A theater or film program might announce a Wiederaufnahme when a show is revived after a hiatus, or when a film is screened again at a later date. This use aligns with the broader sense of restarting or continuing activity.

Etymology: Wiederaufnahme combines wieder, meaning again or anew, with Aufnahme, meaning uptake, admission, or reception, depending on the sense. In translation, the most appropriate English equivalent depends on the specific field and context.