noun

die Ernennung, -en

appointment

Wenn jemand offiziell eine bestimmte Aufgabe oder ein Amt bekommt.

Definition & meaning

Ernennung means the formal appointment of a person to an office, position, rank, or role. Depending on context, it can also mean the act of officially naming or designating someone for a position.

It usually refers to an official decision, rather than merely suggesting or considering someone for a role.

Grammar & Word origin

Ernennung is a feminine noun: die Ernennung. Its plural is die Ernennungen.

It is formed from the verb ernennen (“to appoint” or “to name”) and the suffix -ung , which forms nouns describing an action or its result. The verb is related to nennen (“to name”).

Synonyms & antonyms

die Berufung — an appointment, often to a significant position, such as a professorship or leadership role. It can emphasize being called or selected for the role.
die Bestellung — an appointment or formal designation, often used for official functions or positions.
die Einsetzung — the installation or placement of someone in a role; it can emphasize putting the person into office.

There is no single exact antonym. die Abberufung [?](vocabuo://word/Abberufung] means removal from an appointed position, while die Entlassung means dismissal or release from a position. Both describe the ending of a role, rather than the opposite action in every context.