Meaning
To agree to attend an event or gathering.
Cultural Background
Accepting an invitation is a serious commitment. If you say yes, you are expected to be there on time (Pünktlichkeit). In Austria, invitations are often more social and can involve 'Gemütlichkeit'. Accepting an invitation to a 'Heuriger' (wine tavern) is a common social ritual. Swiss etiquette is very precise. When accepting, it's common to ask if you can contribute something to the meal (e.g., a salad or dessert). In business, accepting an invitation to lunch is a key part of building 'Beziehung' (relationship) before talking about numbers.
The 'Gerne' Trick
Always add 'gerne' (gladly) to sound much more friendly: 'Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung gerne an.'
Don't forget the 'an'!
If you just say 'Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung', it sounds like you are physically stealing the piece of paper!
Meaning
To agree to attend an event or gathering.
The 'Gerne' Trick
Always add 'gerne' (gladly) to sound much more friendly: 'Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung gerne an.'
Don't forget the 'an'!
If you just say 'Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung', it sounds like you are physically stealing the piece of paper!
RSVP Speed
In Germany, it is polite to accept an invitation within 48 hours of receiving it.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'annehmen' in the present tense.
Ich ______ {die|f} Einladung gerne ______.
In the present tense, 'annehmen' splits. 'Ich' takes 'nehme', and 'an' goes to the end.
Which sentence is the most natural way to accept a wedding invitation in a letter?
A: Ich akzeptiere die Hochzeit. B: Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung zur {die|f} Hochzeit gerne an. C: Ich nehme an {die|f} Einladung. D: Ich habe {die|f} Einladung genommen.
B uses the correct collocation and word order for a polite response.
Complete the dialogue.
Thomas: 'Kommst du morgen zu meiner Party?' Du: 'Ja, danke! Ich ______ ______ ______ ______.'
This is the standard way to confirm attendance in a conversation.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
1. 'Bin dabei!' 2. 'Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung an.' 3. 'Wir beehren uns, {die|f} Einladung anzunehmen.'
'Bin dabei' is slang, 'annehmen' is neutral, and 'beehren uns' is very formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ {die|f} Einladung gerne ______.
In the present tense, 'annehmen' splits. 'Ich' takes 'nehme', and 'an' goes to the end.
A: Ich akzeptiere die Hochzeit. B: Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung zur {die|f} Hochzeit gerne an. C: Ich nehme an {die|f} Einladung. D: Ich habe {die|f} Einladung genommen.
B uses the correct collocation and word order for a polite response.
Thomas: 'Kommst du morgen zu meiner Party?' Du: 'Ja, danke! Ich ______ ______ ______ ______.'
This is the standard way to confirm attendance in a conversation.
1. 'Bin dabei!' 2. 'Ich nehme {die|f} Einladung an.' 3. 'Wir beehren uns, {die|f} Einladung anzunehmen.'
'Bin dabei' is slang, 'annehmen' is neutral, and 'beehren uns' is very formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but 'Das Jobangebot annehmen' is more specific. 'Eine Einladung zum Vorstellungsgespräch annehmen' is perfect for the interview stage.
Slightly. 'Zusagen' is very common in speech ('Ich habe zugesagt'), while 'eine Einladung annehmen' is the standard full phrase for writing and polite speech.
It takes the Accusative case. That's why it's 'eine Einladung' (feminine accusative).
You say 'Ich habe sie angenommen' (referring to 'die Einladung').
Related Phrases
eine Einladung ablehnen
contrastTo decline an invitation
zusagen
synonymTo confirm/say yes
eine Einladung erhalten
builds onTo receive an invitation
jemanden einladen
builds onTo invite someone
