Meaning
To mention or allude to something previously stated or known.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'Direktheit' (directness) is valued, but it must be paired with 'Förmlichkeit' (formality). Using 'Bezug nehmen' shows you are following the rules of professional engagement. Austrian German can be even more formal than German German. You might hear 'Bezugnahme' used as a single noun more frequently in official documents. Swiss business German uses 'Bezug nehmen' similarly, but often prefers slightly softer openings in emails before getting to the formal reference. In German universities, referencing is a sacred act. 'Bezug nehmen' is the primary way to acknowledge the work of others, reflecting the value of intellectual honesty.
The Perfect Email Opener
Start your formal emails with 'Bezug nehmend auf unser Telefonat...' to immediately sound like a native professional.
Preposition Trap
Never use 'zu' or 'mit'. It is always 'auf'. Think of it as 'stepping ON (auf) the reference'.
Meaning
To mention or allude to something previously stated or known.
The Perfect Email Opener
Start your formal emails with 'Bezug nehmend auf unser Telefonat...' to immediately sound like a native professional.
Preposition Trap
Never use 'zu' or 'mit'. It is always 'auf'. Think of it as 'stepping ON (auf) the reference'.
Don't be too stiff
If you're talking to a colleague you've known for years, 'Bezug nehmen' might be too much. Use 'Wegen...' instead.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition and article (Akkusativ).
Ich nehme Bezug ___ ___ (der) Brief von gestern.
'Bezug nehmen' always takes 'auf' + Akkusativ. 'Brief' is masculine, so it becomes 'den'.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal job application?
How should you start your cover letter?
This is the standard, most professional opening.
Complete the dialogue in a professional manner.
Chef: 'Haben Sie die neuen Verkaufszahlen gesehen?' Mitarbeiter: 'Ja, ich möchte in meinem Bericht direkt _______.'
When referring to a previously mentioned thing, we use 'darauf' (thereon/on it) with 'Bezug nehmen'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Where would you most likely read: 'Bezug nehmend auf das Aktenzeichen...'?
'Aktenzeichen' (file number) and 'Bezug nehmend' are highly formal/legal terms.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch nehme Bezug ___ ___ (der) Brief von gestern.
'Bezug nehmen' always takes 'auf' + Akkusativ. 'Brief' is masculine, so it becomes 'den'.
How should you start your cover letter?
This is the standard, most professional opening.
Chef: 'Haben Sie die neuen Verkaufszahlen gesehen?' Mitarbeiter: 'Ja, ich möchte in meinem Bericht direkt _______.'
When referring to a previously mentioned thing, we use 'darauf' (thereon/on it) with 'Bezug nehmen'.
Where would you most likely read: 'Bezug nehmend auf das Aktenzeichen...'?
'Aktenzeichen' (file number) and 'Bezug nehmend' are highly formal/legal terms.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNeither is 'better', but 'Bezug nehmen' is more formal. Use it in letters; use 'sich beziehen' in meetings.
No, it almost always requires a target. You must say what you are referring to.
Both are correct according to new spelling rules, but 'Bezug nehmend' (separated) is more common.
Yes: 'Ich nahm Bezug' or 'Ich habe Bezug genommen'.
Usually no. You refer to statements or documents, not directly to a person. Say 'Ich beziehe mich auf Herrn Müller' (I'm referring to what Mr. Müller said).
Always the Akkusativ.
Absolutely not. It would sound sarcastic if used in slang.
Bezug nehmend auf Ihr Schreiben...
No, 'über' is incorrect here.
Yes, it is {der|m} Bezug.
Related Phrases
sich beziehen auf
synonymto refer to
anknüpfen an
similarto follow up on
verweisen auf
similarto point to
in Bezug auf
builds onregarding / in relation to
bezüglich
specialized formconcerning
