01
die Option
option
One of several possibilities that you can choose between.
example
Wir haben mehrere Optionen, wie wir das Problem lösen können.
We have several options for how we can solve the problem.
die Option
option
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Sentence structure with infinitive
'Option' is very often connected with an infinitive using 'zu'. The structure is then 'die Option haben/sein, etwas zu tun' (to have/be the option to do something).
EXAMPLE
Sie haben die Option, das Produkt innerhalb von 14 Tagen zurückzugeben.
You have the option to return the product within 14 days.
Word family
The word 'Option' belongs to the same word family as the adjective 'optional'. If something is optional, you have the option to do it or not to do it.
EXAMPLE
Die Teilnahme am Workshop ist optional.
Participation in the workshop is optional.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Option' in the general meaning are 'eine Option prüfen' (to examine an option), 'eine Option in Betracht ziehen' (to consider an option), and 'sich eine Option offenhalten' (to keep an option open).
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten alle Optionen sorgfältig prüfen, bevor wir uns entscheiden.
We should carefully examine all options before we decide.
Context clue
You can recognize the financial meaning of 'Option' from words from the world of business and finance. Typical signal words are 'Aktien' (stocks), 'Preis' (price), 'kaufen' (buy), 'verkaufen' (sell), and 'handeln' (trade).
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine Optionen verkauft, als der Aktienkurs am höchsten war.
He sold his options when the stock price was at its highest.
Compare with
Option vs Wahl
choice / election
'die Wahl' and 'die Option' both have to do with possibilities. 'die Option' is one individual possibility among several. 'die Wahl' is more the situation or process in which you decide between these possibilities. So you can have several options and then make a choice. Learners confuse the words because both occur in decision-making situations. As a simple guide: 'Option' more often answers 'What possibility is there?', while 'Wahl' more often answers 'What do you choose?'
Option
Eine spätere Abfahrt ist auch eine Option.
A later departure is also an option.
Wahl
Für den Urlaub haben wir die Wahl zwischen Meer und Bergen.
For our vacation, we have the choice between the sea and the mountains.
In real life
Loading video examples...