die  Bestätigung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈʃtɛtɪɡʊŋ/

🧐 What Exactly is a Bestätigung?

The word die Bestätigung (noun, feminine) is a versatile German word. It generally refers to the act or result of confirming something. Essentially, it's about acknowledging or affirming something as correct, valid, or received.

• Acknowledgement/Agreement: Expressing that something is true, correct, or accepted. Example: eine Bestätigung der Fakten (a confirmation of the facts).
• Proof/Receipt: A document or statement proving the receipt or execution of something. Example: eine Buchungsbestätigung (a booking confirmation), eine Empfangsbestätigung (a confirmation of receipt).
• Verification: Checking and establishing correctness or authenticity. Example: die Bestätigung einer Identität (the verification of an identity).

🚨 Important: A Bestätigung is often formal in nature, but can also be given verbally.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: die Bestätigung

The word "Bestätigung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always "die". It follows regular declension patterns.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Ich warte noch auf die Bestätigung meiner Hotelbuchung.
   (I am still waiting for the confirmation of my hotel booking.)
2. Der Erhalt des Pakets wurde mir per Bestätigung quittiert.
   (The receipt of the package was acknowledged to me via confirmation.)
3. Die Echtheit der Unterschrift bedarf noch der Bestätigung.
   (The authenticity of the signature still requires confirmation.)
4. Wir haben mehrere Bestätigungen für unsere Anmeldungen erhalten.
   (We have received several confirmations for our registrations.)

🔧 When and How to Use "Bestätigung"?

"Bestätigung" is a commonly used word, especially in formal and official contexts:

• Business/Professional: Auftragsbestätigung (order confirmation), Terminbestätigung (appointment confirmation), Empfangsbestätigung (confirmation of receipt, e.g., for a job application).
• Authorities/Administration: Anmeldebestätigung (registration confirmation), Bestätigung eines Antrags (confirmation of an application).
• Private: Buchungsbestätigung (booking confirmation - travel, hotel), confirmation of an invitation, but also as an expression of agreement ("Das ist eine Bestätigung meiner Vermutung." - "That's a confirmation of my suspicion.").
• Technical: Lesebestätigung (read receipt for emails), confirmation dialog in software.

Comparison:

• Bescheinigung: Often a more official document certifying a fact (e.g., Arbeitsbescheinigung - certificate of employment). A Bestätigung can be less formal.
• Zusage: Refers more to a promise for a future action or agreement.
• Anerkennung: Often emphasizes appreciation or acceptance of something (e.g., Anerkennung einer Leistung - recognition of an achievement).

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (die)

Remember: Most German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die). Think of die Buchung (the booking), die Sendung (the shipment/broadcast), die Meinung (the opinion)... and therefore, also die Bestätigung! It's like a confirmation of the rule! 😉

Meaning Mnemonic

Imagine you need something made steady or stated firmly. 'Be-' often intensifies, and '-stätig-' relates to 'steady' or 'state'. So, a Be-STÄTIG-ung makes something steady, firm, confirmed.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Watch out: Don't confuse Bestätigung (confirmation) with Begründung (justification, reason).

😄 A Little Joke

Chef zum neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie die E-Mail mit der dringenden Aufgabe bekommen?"
Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Chef!"
Chef: "Und haben Sie auch die Lesebestätigung geschickt?"
Mitarbeiter: "Nein, die Aufgabe war so dringend, da hatte ich keine Zeit für Bestätigungen!"

--- Translation ---

Boss to the new employee: "Did you receive the email with the urgent task?"
Employee: "Yes, boss!"
Boss: "And did you send the read receipt (Lesebestätigung)?"
Employee: "No, the task was so urgent, I didn't have time for confirmations!"

✍️ Poem about Bestätigung

Ein Klick, die Buchung ist gemacht,
doch Zweifel halten leise Wacht.
Dann kommt die Mail, ersehnt, erhofft,
die Sicherheit bringt, ganz unverhofft.

"Ihr Platz ist sicher, alles klar!"
Die Bestätigung ist endlich da.
Ein kleines Wort, doch groß im Sinn,
bringt Ordnung und auch Ruh' hinein.

--- Translation ---

A click, the booking has been made,
but doubts keep quietly watch.
Then comes the mail, longed for, hoped for,
bringing security, quite unexpectedly.

"Your spot is secure, all is clear!"
The confirmation is finally here.
A small word, yet grand in sense,
brings order and also peace within.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich komme oft per Post, mal digital,
beende Zweifel, manche Qual.
Ich sage "Ja, es ist gebongt!",
mach' Unsicherheit gekonnt
zu einem Fakt, ganz klar und rein.
Was mag ich wohl nur sein?

--- Translation ---

I often come by mail, sometimes digital,
ending doubts, sometimes torment.
I say "Yes, it's confirmed!" (lit. 'rung up'),
skillfully turning uncertainty
into a fact, completely clear and pure.
What might I be?

Solution: die Bestätigung (the confirmation)

✨ Further Information

Word Formation

The word "Bestätigung" is a noun derived from the verb "bestätigen" (to confirm). This is done by adding the suffix "-ung".

• bestätigen (verb: to declare something as correct/valid) + -ung (suffix for noun formation, usually feminine) = die Bestätigung

The verb "bestätigen" itself is composed of:

• be- (prefix, often for intensification or direction) + stätig (adjective, related to 'stetig' - steady, 'fest' - firm) + -igen (verb suffix)