action / conduct / trade
das Handeln
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action
The act of doing or carrying out something, especially as a conscious activity as opposed to merely thinking or waiting.
Entscheidend ist jetzt das Handeln und nicht nur das Reden.
What matters now is taking action, not just talking.
conduct
The way someone behaves and makes decisions.
Sein verantwortungsbewusstes Handeln wurde von allen gelobt.
Everyone praised his responsible conduct.
trade
The commercial activity of buying and selling goods or services.
Das Handeln mit seltenen Briefmarken ist sein Beruf.
Trading in rare stamps is his profession.
bargaining
Negotiating a price or agreement through mutual offers and counteroffers.
Das Handeln um den Preis gehört auf diesem Markt einfach dazu.
Bargaining over the price is simply part of doing business in this market.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Handelns |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Handeln | – |
| accusative | das Handeln | – |
| dative | dem Handeln | – |
| genitive | des Handelns | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Handeln' (acting / taking action) is the nominalized infinitive of the verb 'handeln' (to act / to trade). It therefore often appears with an adjective or an addition that describes the activity more precisely.
Nach langem Überlegen begann endlich das entschlossene Handeln.
After a long period of deliberation, decisive action finally began.
Durch gemeinsames Handeln konnten die Bewohner das Problem lösen.
By acting together, the residents were able to solve the problem.
In this meaning, 'Handeln' (action) often appears with expressions that emphasize an active response or a beginning. Common examples include 'zum Handeln auffordern' (to call on someone to take action), 'zum Handeln zwingen' (to force someone to take action), and 'ins Handeln kommen' (to take action).
Die neuen Informationen forderten die Verantwortlichen zum Handeln auf.
The new information prompted those responsible to take action.
In this meaning, 'Handeln' (conduct) is often evaluated or characterized with adjectives. Typical collocations include 'verantwortungsbewusstes Handeln' (responsible conduct), 'ethisches Handeln' (ethical conduct), and 'politisches Handeln' (political action).
Verantwortungsbewusstes Handeln ist in dieser Situation besonders wichtig.
Responsible conduct is especially important in this situation.
When referring to commercial activity, 'Handeln' (trading) often appears with 'mit' (with) and the dative. The addition names the goods or commodities that are bought and sold.
Beim Handeln mit Aktien sollte man die Risiken genau kennen.
When trading in stocks, you should know the risks well.
When negotiating a price or agreement, 'Handeln' (bargaining) is often followed by 'um' (over) with the accusative. The addition names the price or thing being negotiated.
Nach zähem Handeln um jeden Euro bekam sie das Fahrrad deutlich günstiger.
After tough bargaining over every euro, she got the bicycle at a significantly lower price.
