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anmaßen

to presume, to arrogate, to claim unwarrantedly

verb AN-mah-sen Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

sich anmaßen (always reflexive) means to presume to do or say something one has no right to. 'Sie maßt sich an, für alle zu sprechen' (She presumes to speak for everyone). It implies overstepping a communicative or institutional boundary.

Examples

"Er maßte sich an, im Namen aller Mitarbeiter zu sprechen, ohne gefragt worden zu sein."

Natural Translation

He presumed to speak on behalf of all employees without having been asked.

Literal Translation

He presumed (himself), in the name of all employees to speak, without asked having-been.

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