01
sich entschließen zu
to decide on
To make a decision after consideration to do something specific. It expresses a conscious and often final decision.
example
Sie hat sich entschlossen, nach Berlin zu ziehen.
She decided to move to Berlin.
entschließen
to decide
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Meanings
Usage tips
Two fixed constructions
This verb is almost always used in two patterns. Either 'zu' is followed by a noun in the dative, or an infinitive clause with 'zu' follows: 'sich zu etwas entschließen' (to decide on something) or 'sich entschließen, etwas zu tun' (to decide to do something).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich zu einem radikalen Schritt entschlossen.
He decided on a radical step.
Inseparable verb
'Entschließen' (to decide) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ent-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'schließen' in all conjugated forms and sentence positions.
EXAMPLE
Wann entschließt du dich endlich?
When are you finally going to make up your mind?
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ent-' and the stem 'schließen'. You can imagine it as ending an inner state of indecision — so you 'ent-schließt' (decide/release yourself) from this state.
EXAMPLE
Nach langem Nachdenken entschloss er sich zur Kündigung.
After a long period of reflection, he decided to resign.
Compare with
entschließen vs wählen
to vote / choose / dial
'wählen' and 'sich entschließen zu' both have to do with making a decision. 'wählen' is used when you select one from several possibilities, for example a meal, a course, or a route. 'sich entschließen zu' puts more emphasis on the inner decision after some thought. It is often followed by a noun with 'zu' or a clause with 'dazu'. Learners may confuse the words because both express a decision. Put simply: you 'wählt eine Option' (choose an option), but you 'entschließt sich zu einer Handlung' or 'zu einem Schritt' (decide on an action or a step).
entschließen
Nach langem Nachdenken entschließt sich Maria zu einem Umzug.
After thinking about it for a long time, Maria decides to move.
wählen
Im Restaurant wähle ich heute die Suppe, weil ich nicht viel Hunger habe.
At the restaurant, I’m choosing the soup today because I’m not very hungry.
In real life
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