stattgeben

Stattgeben is a German verb that translates to "to give way," "to yield," or "to comply" in English. It is often used in contexts where something or someone concedes to a demand, request, or pressure. The verb is formed from the prefix "statt," meaning "instead of" or "in place of," and the verb "geben," meaning "to give." This etymology suggests a sense of replacing one state or action with another, often in response to external influence.

In legal and formal contexts, "stattgeben" can mean to uphold a legal claim or to rule in favor of a plaintiff. For example, a court might "stattgeben" a complaint, meaning it finds the complaint valid and grants the requested relief. This usage implies a formal acceptance and validation of a particular position.

More broadly, "stattgeben" can describe the act of yielding to an argument, a plea, or even physical force. Someone might "stattgeben" to temptation, meaning they succumb to it. Similarly, a negotiator might "stattgeben" on a certain point, indicating they have made a concession. The verb carries a nuance of surrendering or acceding, often after some form of resistance or consideration. It is a versatile term used to describe various forms of agreement or capitulation.