die Aktion
action
An action, deed, or undertaking that is carried out deliberately in order to achieve a specific goal.
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungsaktion der Feuerwehr war erfolgreich.
The fire department's rescue operation was successful.
die Aktion
action / sale
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Meanings
die Aktion
sale / promotion
A time-limited sales promotion in a store where products are offered at a reduced price; a special offer.
EXAMPLE
Der Supermarkt hat diese Woche viele Milchprodukte in Aktion.
The supermarket has many dairy products on sale this week.
die Aktion
campaign / action
A planned, often public or political measure by a group to attract attention or pursue a goal.
EXAMPLE
Die Aktivisten planen eine Protest-Aktion vor dem Rathaus.
The activists are planning a protest action in front of the town hall.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Aktion' (action) belongs to the word family of 'aktiv' (active) and 'agieren' (to act). All of these words have the Latin root 'actio' (action, deed) and describe that something is being done or undertaken.
EXAMPLE
Die Aktivisten planen eine Aktion, um auf das Problem aufmerksam zu machen.
The activists are planning an action to draw attention to the problem.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Aktion' (action / sale) from the context. In a supermarket or in advertising, it means a special offer. In connection with politics or social groups, it refers to a planned measure. In combinations like 'Rettungsaktion' (rescue operation), it describes a concrete action.
EXAMPLE
Diese Woche ist Käse in Aktion.
Cheese is on sale this week.
Use in retail
When 'Aktion' (sale / promotion) means a special offer, the fixed phrase 'in Aktion sein' (to be on sale) or 'etwas in Aktion haben' (to have something on sale) is often used. This is typical language in supermarkets and advertising brochures.
EXAMPLE
Nächste Woche haben wir Schokolade in Aktion.
Next week we'll have chocolate on sale.
Typical compounds
'Aktion' (action) is often used as the second part of compound nouns to describe a specific type of action. Common examples are 'Rettungsaktion' (rescue operation), 'Hilfsaktion' (aid campaign), or 'Suchaktion' (search operation).
EXAMPLE
Die Suchaktion nach dem vermissten Wanderer dauerte drei Tage.
The search operation for the missing hiker lasted three days.
Compare with
Aktion vs Projekt
project
A Projekt and an Aktion can both be planned activities with a specific goal. Projekt generally refers to the organized, time-limited overall undertaking, while Aktion refers more to a deliberate action. Projekt is suitable for an undertaking involving several steps, while Aktion is often suitable for a single targeted step.
Aktion
Unsere Aktion für mehr Sicherheit an der Schule findet am Freitag statt.
Our action to improve safety at the school is taking place on Friday.
Projekt
Das Projekt für mehr Sicherheit an der Schule läuft über das ganze Jahr.
The project to improve safety at the school will run all year.
In real life
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