German Conversation · Level 52
74 words
German word
ablehnen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈapˌleːnən/
Meaning
- verbrefuse
Example
Er lehnt das Angebot ab.
He refuses the offer.
More examples
Ich muss die Einladung ablehnen.
I have to refuse the invitation.
Core concept
An offered item is pushed back across an invisible boundary instead of being taken in.
Common phrases
ein Angebot ablehnen
refuse an offer
eine Einladung ablehnen
refuse an invitation
einen Vorschlag ablehnen
refuse a proposal
Similar words
absagen: To cancel an invitation or appointment by notifying the other party.
verneinen: To give a negative answer to a question or proposal.
verweigern: To firmly refuse a right, request, or entitlement.
abschlagen: To turn down an offer or proposed terms.
Definition in German
Etwas, zum Beispiel ein Angebot oder eine Einladung, zurückweisen; nicht annehmen.
Word origin
The verb is formed from ab- ('away') and lehnen ('lean or incline'), with the combined form expressing movement away from acceptance.
Usage tips
- In a subordinate clause, the parts stay together at the end, as in 'weil er das Angebot ablehnt'.