initiative
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initiative
The first step or decisive action to get something going; the ability to act independently and without instructions.
Sie ergriff die Initiative und organisierte eine Spendenaktion.
She took the initiative and organized a fundraising campaign.
A very important and common expression is 'die Initiative ergreifen' (to take the initiative). It means that you are the first to act in order to change or start a situation.
Niemand wollte anfangen, also habe ich die Initiative ergriffen und das Gespräch begonnen.
Nobody wanted to start, so I took the initiative and began the conversation.
When 'Initiative' (initiative) refers to a group of people, it is often combined with verbs such as 'gründen' (to found), 'starten' (to start), or 'unterstützen' (to support). A common form is 'Bürgerinitiative' (citizens' initiative).
Anwohner haben eine Initiative zur Verkehrsberuhigung gegründet.
Residents have founded an initiative to calm traffic.
You can often recognize the two meanings from the verb. Verbs like 'ergreifen' (to take) or 'zeigen' (to show) point to an action. Verbs like 'gründen' (to found) or 'beitreten' (to join) point to an organization.
Er zeigt im Job leider wenig Initiative.
Unfortunately, he shows little initiative at work.
club / association
'der Verein' and 'die Initiative' can both refer to a group of people with a shared goal. A 'Verein' is usually more firmly organized, often with members, rules, and regular meetings. An 'Initiative' often comes about because people want to solve a particular problem or achieve a goal, for example a political or social one. It may be less formally organized. The words can be confused because both groups take action. In addition, 'Initiative' can also mean the first step toward an action, not only a group.
Nach dem Unfall gründeten die Eltern eine Initiative für sichere Schulwege.
After the accident, the parents founded an initiative for safe routes to school.
Am Samstag hat der Verein ein Fest für die Nachbarn organisiert.
On Saturday, the club organized a party for the neighbors.