to decide / conclude
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to decide
To make an official decision after joint discussion or consideration. Often used of committees, parliaments, or governments.
Der Stadtrat hat beschlossen, eine neue Schule zu bauen.
The city council decided to build a new school.
to conclude
To bring something to an end or close it, often in a planned or ceremonial way.
Wir beschlossen den gelungenen Abend mit einem gemeinsamen Lied.
We concluded the successful evening with a song together.
The verb is inseparable with the prefix 'be-'. It is derived from 'schließen' (to close) and has the figurative meaning of 'closing' a discussion or consideration and coming to a result.
Die Regierung beschloss neue Umweltauflagen.
The government decided on new environmental requirements.
The meaning depends on the object. If the object is a plan or an action, it means 'to decide'. If the object is an event or a period of time, such as 'der Abend' (the evening) or 'die Reise' (the trip), it means 'to end' or 'to conclude'.
Das Parlament beschließt ein neues Gesetz.
Parliament passes a new law.
When a decision is made about an action, it is often followed by an infinitive with 'zu' or a subordinate clause with 'dass'. Both constructions are very common.
Wir haben beschlossen, nächstes Jahr nach Italien zu reisen.
We decided to travel to Italy next year.
The verb is often used in formal or political contexts. Typical subjects are bodies such as 'der Bundestag' (the German federal parliament), 'die Regierung' (the government), or 'der Vorstand' (the board), which then pass or decide on 'Gesetze' (laws), 'Maßnahmen' (measures), or 'Regeln' (rules).
Der Vorstand beschloss die Schließung des Standorts.
The board decided to close the location.
to decide
Entscheiden and beschließen can both express making a final decision after discussion. Entscheiden focuses more on resolving a question or choosing between options, while beschließen places more emphasis on the officially adopted plan or joint resolution. For a group, beschließen is especially appropriate when the result is formally adopted.
Die Arbeitsgruppe beschloss nach der Beratung die neue Lösung.
After discussing the matter, the working group adopted the new solution.
Die Arbeitsgruppe entschied nach der Beratung, welche Lösung sie wählen sollte.
After discussing the matter, the working group decided which solution to choose.
