solo action / going alone
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solo action
An action that a person carries out without consulting or getting the approval of others who actually should have been involved. The term often has a negative connotation.
Der Minister wurde für seinen Alleingang bei den Verhandlungen stark kritisiert.
The minister was heavily criticized for his solo action during the negotiations.
going alone
A walk, hike, or undertaking that someone does alone. This literal meaning is less common.
Nach dem Streit machte er einen langen Alleingang durch den Wald, um nachzudenken.
After the argument, he went alone on a long walk through the forest to think.
The word is made up of 'allein' (alone) and 'der Gang' (walk, course, or action). The literal meaning 'a walk or course of action that one does alone' helps you understand the figurative meaning 'an action that one carries out alone.'
Sein politischer Alleingang wurde von allen Seiten kritisiert.
His political solo action was criticized from all sides.
The figurative meaning, acting without consultation, is far more common than the literal one. The term usually has a negative connotation because it implies that cooperation would have been necessary.
Die Chefin hat die Entscheidung im Alleingang getroffen, ohne das Team zu fragen.
The boss made the decision single-handedly, without asking the team.
'Alleingang' (solo action) is very often used with the verb 'machen' (to make/do): 'einen Alleingang machen' (to go it alone / to act alone). It is often found in contexts such as politics, business, or teamwork.
Er ist bekannt dafür, dass er gerne Alleingänge macht.
He is known for liking to go it alone.
self-direction
Both words describe acting independently. Eigenregie emphasizes organizing or carrying something out oneself without professional help, while Alleingang additionally suggests that others were not consulted or involved and often has a critical tone. Use Eigenregie for carrying something out independently and Alleingang when there was a lack of coordination.
Sein Alleingang bei der Planung überraschte das Team, weil er niemanden vorher gefragt hatte.
His solo action in planning the project surprised the team because he had not asked anyone beforehand.
Sie organisierte die Renovierung in Eigenregie und brauchte dafür keine professionelle Hilfe.
She organized the renovation independently and did not need any professional help.
