German word

voraussetzen

Pronunciation

IPA/foˈʁaʊ̯sˌzɛt͡sən/

Meaning

  • verbassume

Example

Wir können seine Hilfe nicht voraussetzen.

We cannot assume that he will help us.

Illustration for voraussetzen (assume)

More examples

Es wäre falsch, solche Fähigkeiten neuen Mitarbeitern von vornherein vorauszusetzen.

It would be wrong to assume that new employees have such abilities from the outset.

Core concept

A plan moves forward with a condition placed ahead of it and treated as already established.

Common phrases

  • von vornherein voraussetzen

    assume from the outset

  • eine Bedingung voraussetzen

    require a condition

  • vieles voraussetzen

    assume a lot

Similar words

annehmen: Conclude that something is true from the situation or available information.
davon ausgehen: Use something accepted as true as the basis for reasoning.
vermuten: Suspect that something is true despite lacking clear proof.
unterstellen: Accuse someone of bad intentions or responsibility without sufficient grounds.

Definition in German

Etwas als gegeben annehmen; etwas für eine Voraussetzung halten.

Word origin

The compound combines voraus, meaning ahead or in advance, with setzen, meaning put, so it originally expressed putting something in front.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, it appears as setzt ... voraus in a main clause, while the infinitive remains one word after a modal verb.

Other meanings

  • presupposeverb
  • requireverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word