to decide / conclude
Loading your saved state.
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.
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 meet / to hit
'eine Entscheidung treffen' (to make a decision) and 'beschließen' can both mean that, after thinking something over, you decide what should happen. 'eine Entscheidung treffen' is more general and fits everyday life, work, or private contexts. 'beschließen' sounds more official or collective. It is often used when a group, an association, a parliament, or management decides after discussion. The words can be confused because both express a decision. Put simply: a person or group can 'eine Entscheidung treffen'; a committee or official body often 'beschließt' something officially.
Am Montag beschließt der Verein den neuen Plan für das Sommerfest.
On Monday, the association decides on the new plan for the summer festival.
Meine Mutter trifft vor der Reise noch eine Entscheidung zur Sicherheit.
Before the trip, my mother still makes a decision about safety.