ultimatum
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ultimatum
A final, unmistakable demand that is tied to a deadline and whose rejection leads to consequences, such as the breakdown of negotiations or military measures.
Die Regierung stellte den Rebellen ein Ultimatum, die Waffen niederzulegen.
The government gave the rebels an ultimatum to lay down their weapons.
'Ultimatum' (ultimatum) comes from Latin and means 'the last thing.' This origin perfectly explains the meaning of the word: it is the final demand in a negotiation before consequences follow.
Er gab ihr ein Ultimatum: Entweder sie hört auf zu rauchen, oder er zieht aus.
He gave her an ultimatum: either she stops smoking, or he moves out.
The most common verb used with 'Ultimatum' (ultimatum) is 'stellen' (to issue/give). You 'stellt' someone an ultimatum. Other typical verbs are 'annehmen' (to accept), 'ablehnen' (to reject), or 'ignorieren' (to ignore).
Die Gewerkschaft hat dem Arbeitgeber ein Ultimatum gestellt.
The union gave the employer an ultimatum.
When saying who receives the ultimatum, German uses the dative. The structure is: Person A (subject) stellt Person B (dative) ein Ultimatum (accusative).
Der Entführer stellte der Polizei ein Ultimatum zur Freilassung seiner Komplizen.
The kidnapper gave the police an ultimatum for the release of his accomplices.
demand / claim
'die Forderung' and 'das Ultimatum' both have to do with someone demanding something. 'Forderung', however, is more general and can be used in many situations, for example in politics, at work, or in a contract. 'Ultimatum' is much stronger: it is a final demand with a deadline and clear consequences if the other side does not agree. Learners may confuse the words because every ultimatum contains a demand. But not every demand is an ultimatum.
Der Vermieter stellte ein Ultimatum: Bis Freitag muss die Miete bezahlt sein.
The landlord gave an ultimatum: the rent must be paid by Friday.
Am Morgen hat die Gruppe ihre Forderung nach sauberem Trinkwasser wiederholt.
In the morning, the group repeated its demand for clean drinking water.