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
A Forderung can be emphatic and specify a date. An Ultimatum, however, is explicitly the final demand, sets a deadline, and announces consequences if it is not met. Without this final character, Forderung is the right word; with a deadline and threatened consequences, Ultimatum is the right word.
Die Beschäftigten stellen ein Ultimatum: Die Leitung muss bis Freitag antworten, sonst brechen sie die Gespräche ab.
The employees issue an ultimatum: Management must respond by Friday, or they will break off the talks.
Die Beschäftigten stellen die Forderung, dass die Leitung bis Freitag antwortet.
The employees are demanding that management respond by Friday.
