to initiate
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to initiate
To set something in motion, give the impetus for something, or start a process. Often used in connection with projects, measures, or discussions.
Die Bürgerinitiative hat eine Kampagne für mehr Grünflächen initiiert.
The citizens’ initiative initiated a campaign for more green spaces.
'Initiieren' (to initiate) is a word used in elevated written language and especially in formal, official, or academic contexts. It is rather rare in everyday speech.
Die Regierung plant, ein neues Förderprogramm zu initiieren.
The government plans to initiate a new funding program.
Like all verbs ending in '-ieren', 'initiieren' forms the past participle without the prefix 'ge-'. So it is 'hat initiiert' (has initiated), not 'hat geinitiiert'.
Das Unternehmen hat eine interne Untersuchung initiiert.
The company has initiated an internal investigation.
The verb 'initiieren' (to initiate) belongs to the word family of 'die Initiative' (the initiative). Someone who initiates something takes the initiative to start something.
Er ist bekannt dafür, dass er gerne neue Projekte initiiert.
He is known for liking to initiate new projects.
You typically initiate abstract things such as 'ein Projekt' (a project), 'eine Diskussion' (a discussion), 'einen Prozess' (a process), 'Maßnahmen' (measures), or 'Veränderungen' (changes).
Die Schulleitung hat eine Debatte über die Nutzung von Handys initiiert.
The school administration initiated a debate about the use of cell phones.
to begin
'beginnen' and 'initiieren' both have to do with the start of something. 'beginnen' can mean that you start an action yourself or that an event starts. 'initiieren' is more about giving the impetus or setting something in motion, often a project, a measure, a discussion, or a technical process. The words can be confused because both can mean 'to start'. The important difference is: someone who 'beginnt' often takes the first step themselves. Someone who 'initiiert' something makes sure that a process gets going in the first place. 'initiieren' also sounds much more formal.
Die Stadt initiiert ein neues Projekt für mehr sichere Radwege.
The city is initiating a new project for safer bike lanes.
Frau Fischer beginnt morgen mit der Prüfung der Rechnungen.
Ms. Fischer is beginning to check the invoices tomorrow.