verb

ablehnen

reject · decline

Etwas nicht annehmen oder nicht zustimmen.

Definition & meaning

ablehnen means to reject, refuse, decline, or turn down something or someone.

It can be used in several related ways:

To reject a proposal, request, application, or offer
- Der Antrag wurde abgelehnt. — The application was rejected.
- Sie lehnte das Angebot ab. — She declined the offer.
To refuse something
- Er lehnte die Einladung ab. — He declined the invitation.
- Ich muss Ihre Bitte ablehnen. — I have to refuse your request.
To disapprove of or reject an idea, policy, or attitude
- Viele Menschen lehnen diese Entscheidung ab. — Many people disapprove of this decision.
To reject or dislike a person or group
- Er lehnt jede Form von Gewalt ab. — He rejects every form of violence.

Grammar & Word origin

ablehnen is a separable verb:

Infinitive: ablehnen
Present tense: Sie lehnt den Vorschlag ab. — She rejects the proposal.
Simple past: Sie lehnte den Vorschlag ab.
Present perfect: Sie hat den Vorschlag abgelehnt.

The prefix ab- generally expresses separation, removal, or turning away. The verb lehnen means “to lean” or “to incline.” Historically, ablehnen therefore conveys the idea of turning something away or refusing it.

It usually takes an accusative object:

jemanden ablehnen — to reject someone
etwas ablehnen — to reject something

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

zurückweisen — to reject or dismiss; often sounds more formal or stronger than ablehnen.
verweigern — to refuse to grant, provide, or do something; it emphasizes withholding something.
ausschlagen — to turn down an offer, invitation, or opportunity; it is especially common with offers and invitations.
nicht annehmen — literally “not accept”; this is more neutral and focuses on non-acceptance rather than active rejection.

Antonyms

annehmen — to accept something, such as an offer, application, or invitation.
akzeptieren — to accept or acknowledge something as valid or agreeable.
zustimmen — to agree with a proposal, opinion, or decision.