bestätigung

Bestätigung is a German noun derived from the verb bestätigen, meaning to confirm or verify. It denotes both the act of confirming something as true or correct and the result of that act, such as a document or message that confirms details. In everyday use, Bestätigung can also mean an acknowledgement or receipt of information or an action.

In administration and commerce, a Bestätigung often takes the form of a written notice that confirms particulars of a transaction or arrangement. Common examples include Auftragsbestätigung (order confirmation), Zahlungsbestätigung (payment confirmation), and Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation). In personal and professional communication, it can refer to acknowledging another person’s statements, intentions, or feelings, i.e., a form of validation.

In information technology and digital processes, Bestätigung refers to a confirmation step or dialog that prevents unintended actions. Examples include prompts like "Möchten Sie fortfahren? Bestätigung erforderlich" and confirmation emails after registrations or changes to an account.

Grammatically, Bestätigung is feminine (die Bestätigung) and is used with phrases such as eine Bestätigung erhalten or eine Bestätigung senden. It also forms numerous compounds, including Bestätigungsschreiben and Bestätigungsmail. The term covers both the confirmation as a semantic act and the tangible evidence or document that verifies a detail or event.