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
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Meanings
die Option
option
In finance, the contractually secured right to buy or sell something (e.g. a stock) at a later point in time at a fixed price.
EXAMPLE
Der Manager erhielt Aktienoptionen als Teil seines Gehalts.
The manager received stock options as part of his salary.
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 Möglichkeit
possibility
„Möglichkeit“ and „Option“ can both refer to an alternative. „Option“ presents it more clearly as a specific choice among several alternatives; „Möglichkeit“ can also simply name a conceivable way forward without emphasizing an immediate decision.
Option
Von den drei angebotenen Verbindungen ist der Nachtzug die günstigste Option.
Of the three connections offered, the night train is the cheapest option.
Möglichkeit
Eine Möglichkeit wäre, mit dem Nachtzug nach Wien zu fahren.
One possibility would be to take the night train to Vienna.
In real life
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