die  Abweisung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔapvaɪzʊŋ/

🙅‍♀️ What does 'die Abweisung' actually mean?

Die Abweisung is a feminine noun and generally refers to the act of rejecting or refusing something or someone. It translates to rejection, refusal, or dismissal.

• In a legal context: Often means the rejection or dismissal of an application, lawsuit, or appeal by a court or authority (e.g., die Klageabweisung - dismissal of the case).
• In a personal context: A rejection of a person, a request, or an offer. It can evoke feelings of disappointment or hurt.
• In a technical/medical context (less common): The rejection of something, e.g., transplant rejection (although 'Abstoßung' is more commonly used here).

⚠️ The only article is 'die' because it's a feminine noun ending in '-ung'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Abweisung

The word 'Abweisung' is a feminine noun. The article is always 'die'. It declines as follows:

Example Sentences

• Die Abweisung seines Antrags war eine große Enttäuschung.
  (The rejection of his application was a big disappointment.)
• Das Gericht begründete die Abweisung der Klage ausführlich.
  (The court explained the dismissal of the lawsuit in detail.)
• Er musste lernen, mit Abweisungen umzugehen.
  (He had to learn to deal with rejections.)
• Nach wiederholten Abweisungen gab er die Jobsuche fast auf.
  (After repeated rejections, he almost gave up his job search.)

💬 When do you use 'Abweisung'?

'Abweisung' is often used in formal, official, or legal contexts. It often sounds stronger and more final than a simple 'Ablehnung' (refusal, rejection).

• Law/Administration: Here, 'Abweisung' is the standard term for the official rejection of applications, lawsuits, etc. (e.g., Klageabweisung - dismissal of a case, Antragsabweisung - rejection of an application).
• Personal Sphere: An 'Abweisung' can be a harsh rejection of a person or their advances. It often implies an emotional component of being turned away.
• Comparison:
  • Ablehnung: More general, can also be polite (e.g., rejection of an invitation).
  • Zurückweisung: Similar to Abweisung, emphasizes the active 'turning away'.
  • Absage: Often refers to cancellations of appointments, invitations, job applications.

One receives an Abweisung (e.g., from court), one issues an Abweisung (e.g., to a petitioner), or one experiences an Abweisung (e.g., in a relationship).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Abweisung'

1. For the article 'die': Many nouns ending in -ung are feminine ('die'), including die Abweisung. Picture a stern female official (die Beamtin) handing back a pile of forms stamped 'Abweisung!' (Rejection!).
2. For the meaning: The word comes from 'abweisen' (to turn away, to reject). Imagine someone making a dismissive gesture with their hand – they are 'weisen' (pointing/sending) someone 'ab' (away). The result is die Abweisung (the rejection).

🔄 Opposites & Co.: Synonyms and Antonyms

Similar but different words:

• Weisung: An instruction, an order (rather the opposite of Abweisung in the sense of 'sending someone away').
• Verweis: A reference; also a reprimand.

😂 A Little Joke on the Side

Warum hat der Antragsteller beim Amt für überflüssige Bürokratie eine Abweisung bekommen?
Sein Antrag auf Abweisung war nicht formgerecht eingereicht! 😉

--- Translation ---

Why did the applicant at the Office for Redundant Bureaucracy receive a rejection?
His application for rejection was not submitted in the correct form! 😉

✍️ Poem about Rejection

Ein Brief kommt an, mit Siegel schwer,
die Hoffnung schwindet, das Herz wird leer.
Ein Wort nur drauf, so kalt und klar:
Die Abweisung – ist leider wahr. Ob Amt, ob Herz, es tut stets weh,
wenn Türen schließen, man muss geh'n.

--- Translation ---

A letter arrives, with a heavy seal,
hope fades, the heart feels empty, unreal.
Just one word on it, so cold and clear:
The rejection – sadly, it is here.
Whether office or heart, it always hurts,
when doors close, one must depart.

❓ Riddle Time: What am I?

Ich bin ein Nein in offizieller Form,
breche oft die gängige Norm.
Vor Gericht bin ich bekannt,
auch ein Antrag wird durch mich verbannt.
Ich komme stets als 'die' daher.

Was bin ich?
... Die Abweisung

--- Translation ---

I am a 'no' in official form,
often breaking the common norm.
In court, I am well-known,
an application, too, is overthrown.
I always appear as 'die' out there.

What am I?
... Die Abweisung (The Rejection/Dismissal)

🧩 Word Building Blocks & More

Word Composition

The word 'Abweisung' is composed of:

• Prefix 'ab-': expresses separation, removal (away).
• Verb stem 'weis(en)': to show, direct, send.
• Suffix '-ung': forms a noun from the verb, often denoting a process or its result.

So, literally: The result of 'pointing/sending away'.

Trivia

In a psychological context, the fear of rejection ('Abweisung') can be a significant issue, strongly influencing social interactions.