to grant leave / to suspend
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grant leave
To officially allow someone not to appear at work, school, or duty for a certain period of time, for example for vacation or further training.
Der Mitarbeiter wurde für eine Fortbildung für sechs Monate beurlaubt.
The employee was granted leave for six months for further training.
The verb is derived from the noun 'der Urlaub' (vacation/leave). The inseparable prefix 'be-' turns the noun into a transitive verb meaning 'to grant someone leave'.
Die Firma beurlaubt ihre Mitarbeiter für soziale Projekte.
The company grants its employees leave for social projects.
The verb is very frequently used in the passive. The person who is being granted leave or suspended is the subject of the sentence. This emphasizes the person, not the person who grants the leave or issues the suspension.
Sie wurde für die Pflege ihrer Mutter für zwei Wochen beurlaubt.
She was granted two weeks' leave to care for her mother.
The context determines whether the meaning is positive or negative. Positive reasons are often given with 'für' (for) or 'wegen' (because of), e.g. 'für eine Weiterbildung' (for further training). A negative suspension is often signaled by words like 'sofort' (immediately), 'bis auf Weiteres' (until further notice), or 'wegen eines Verdachts' (because of a suspicion).
Er wurde auf eigenen Wunsch für ein Jahr beurlaubt.
He was granted leave for one year at his own request.
The negative meaning 'suspendieren' (to suspend) is used mainly in formal, official, and legal contexts. It often concerns people in public office or in positions of responsibility.
Die Schulleiterin wurde bis zum Abschluss der Untersuchung beurlaubt.
The headmistress was suspended until the investigation is completed.
to dismiss / discharge
'entlassen' and 'beurlauben' can both mean that someone no longer comes to work, school, or duty. The important difference is the duration and the consequence. 'entlassen' ends the job or the stay in an institution. 'beurlauben' only means that someone officially does not have to come for a certain period of time or temporarily has no duties. The person can return later. The words can be confused because both sound official. If something ends permanently, 'entlassen' fits. If it is only a break or temporary release from duties, 'beurlauben' fits.
Die Schule beurlaubt Eva für zwei Wochen, weil sie an einem Austausch teilnimmt.
The school is granting Eva leave for two weeks because she is taking part in an exchange.
Der Patient wurde am Morgen aus der Klinik entlassen.
The patient was discharged from the clinic in the morning.