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.
suspend
To temporarily relieve someone of their official duties, often in connection with disciplinary proceedings or an investigation. This has a negative character.
Der Beamte wurde wegen des Korruptionsverdachts sofort beurlaubt.
The official was immediately suspended because of the suspicion of corruption.
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 temporarily stops participating. Entlassen, however, usually ends a lesson or event for a group, while beurlauben allows a specific absence for a set period. Use entlassen when it ends now, and beurlauben for a planned break.
Die Schulleitung beurlaubte die Schülerin für zwei Wochen.
The school administration granted the student two weeks' leave.
Nach der letzten Aufgabe entließ die Lehrerin die Klasse.
After the last assignment, the teacher dismissed the class.
