Zustimmen

Zustimmen is a German verb meaning to agree or to give consent. It is used when a person shares another person’s view or when a proposal or decision is accepted. For example, one says “Ich stimme dir zu” to indicate agreement with someone, and “Ich stimme dem Vorschlag zu” to indicate approval of a proposal. The construction typically involves a dative object for the person or entity being agreeable and the content you agree with, often introduced by zu.

As a noun, the related term Zustimmung denotes consent or approval. It can refer to general authorization as well as formal permission. Common phrases include “die Zustimmung geben” (to give consent), “die Zustimmung verweigern” (to refuse consent), and “die Zustimmung zu einem Vertrag” (consent to a contract). In legal and administrative contexts, Zustimmung may be required from a person, a group, or an official body. In legislative systems, “Zustimmung” can describe the need for approval by a chamber or authority, as in “die Zustimmung des Bundesrates” or the concept of a “Zustimmungsgesetz.”

Etymology and usage note: zustimmen derives from the combination of zu (to/with) and stimmen (to agree, to be in accord; historically also to tune). The noun Zustimmung shares this root and covers both personal agreement and formal authorization. In everyday language and in law, the distinction between agreeing with a view and granting formal consent is commonly expressed through the verb and its noun form.