Zustimmung

Zustimmung is a German noun meaning consent or approval. It denotes a voluntary agreement to a proposal, act, rule, or course of conduct. The term can refer to a formal decision or to an implicit acceptance expressed through behavior.

Zustimmung can be explicit, such as a signed agreement or oral consent, or implicit through conduct. It may be revocable at any time by a person with the capacity to decide, provided there is no coercion or fraud influencing the decision.

In law and policy, Zustimmung plays a central role wherever an action requires the willing participation of an involved person or party. In many contexts the more specialized term Einwilligung is used for consent to personal data processing, medical treatment, or participation in research, while Zustimmung remains a broad concept for contracts, approvals, and general assent. The validity of Zustimmung typically depends on the person’s capacity, freedom from coercion, and adequate information in cases of informed consent.

Applications appear in various domains: medical settings require patient Zustimmung for procedures; research ethics require informed Zustimmung; parental or guardian Zustimmung may be required for minors; organizations may require Zustimmung for the use of personal data or participation in programs; in everyday life, Zustimmung governs agreements between individuals and institutions.

See also: Willenserklärung, Einwilligung, Vertrag.