decision / resolve
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to make a decision
To make a firm and final decision after careful consideration.
Nach langem Nachdenken hat sie den Entschluss gefasst, ihren Job zu kündigen.
After thinking about it for a long time, she made the decision to quit her job.
'Der Entschluss' (the decision/resolve) belongs to the word family of 'sich entschließen' (to decide) and 'entschlossen' (determined). The word is made up of 'ent-' and 'Schluss' (end/conclusion) and literally means the 'Schluss' (conclusion) or end of a thought process.
Nachdem er sich entschlossen hatte, stand sein Entschluss fest.
After he had made up his mind, his decision was final.
The most common and important collocation is 'einen Entschluss fassen' (to make a decision). This fixed expression means to make a conscious and final decision.
Wir müssen bald einen Entschluss fassen, ob wir das Haus kaufen.
We need to make a decision soon about whether we will buy the house.
Very often, the content of the decision is explained with an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). This construction follows directly after the noun.
Ihr Entschluss, den Job zu wechseln, überraschte alle.
Her decision to change jobs surprised everyone.
'Entschluss' (decision/resolve) is often combined with adjectives that describe the type of decision. Common combinations are 'ein fester Entschluss' (a firm decision), 'ein endgültiger Entschluss' (a final decision), 'ein mutiger Entschluss' (a brave decision), or 'ein schwerer Entschluss' (a difficult decision).
Es war ein schwerer Entschluss, die alte Wohnung zu verlassen.
It was a difficult decision to leave the old apartment.
decision
'die Entscheidung' and 'der Entschluss' are closely related because both can lead to a firm result after thinking something over. 'Entscheidung' is the general word when choosing between options. 'Entschluss' sounds more personal and emphasizes a firm intention that you really want to carry out. People often say 'einen Entschluss fassen' (to make a decision), especially after thinking about something for a long time. Learners may confuse the words because an 'Entschluss' is also a decision. But an 'Entscheidung' can also be small, factual, or official; an 'Entschluss' usually feels more internal and personal.
Im Büro fasst der Mitarbeiter den Entschluss, sich weiterzubilden.
At the office, the employee makes the decision to pursue further training.
Die Entscheidung für den neuen Kurs fällt mir nicht leicht.
The decision to take the new course is not easy for me.