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 beschließen
to decide / conclude
Both verbs can express a conscious decision to take an action. Beschließen is generally used of a committee or another group making an official decision, whereas sich entschließen is used when a person decides after consideration to do something. Therefore, pay particular attention to who is making the decision and to the construction.
entschließen
Nach langer Überlegung entschloss sich Maria, die neue Schule zu besuchen.
After much consideration, Maria decided to attend the new school.
beschließen
Der Stadtrat beschloss nach langer Beratung den Bau einer neuen Schule.
After a lengthy discussion, the city council decided to build a new school.
In real life
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