decision / resolve
der Entschluss, die Entschlüsse
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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.
decision / resolve
A firm intention or a decision that has been made and that one wants to put into action.
Sein Entschluss, ins Ausland zu ziehen, stand fest.
His decision to move abroad was final.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Entschlüsse |
| genitive | des Entschlusses |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Entschluss | die Entschlüsse |
| accusative | den Entschluss | die Entschlüsse |
| dative | dem Entschluss | den Entschlüssen |
| genitive | des Entschlusses | der Entschlüsse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'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
Entscheidung mainly refers to choosing between possibilities. Entschluss emphasizes more strongly that someone has firmly made this choice and intends to carry it out. If the question is “Which option do I choose?”, Entscheidung is appropriate; if the focus is on the firm intention afterward, Entschluss is more appropriate.
Nach dem Gespräch fasste sie den Entschluss, ihre Kündigung abzugeben.
After the conversation, she resolved to hand in her resignation.
Nach dem Gespräch traf sie die Entscheidung, ihre Kündigung abzugeben.
After the conversation, she decided to hand in her resignation.
