proposal
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proposal / suggestion
An idea or plan that is presented to another person or a group for consideration and decision.
Ich habe einen Vorschlag: Gehen wir heute Abend ins Kino?
I have a suggestion: Shall we go to the movies tonight?
'Der Vorschlag' (proposal/suggestion) is the noun related to the separable verb 'vorschlagen' (to suggest). The structure is 'vor' (forward, beforehand) and 'schlagen' (in the sense of 'to bring something in a direction'). So you put an idea forward.
Was schlägst du für heute Abend vor?
What do you suggest for tonight?
Very common and useful combinations are 'einen Vorschlag machen' (to make a suggestion), 'einen Vorschlag annehmen' (to accept a proposal), or 'einen Vorschlag ablehnen' (to reject a proposal). You can also 'eingehen' auf einen Vorschlag (respond to / go along with a suggestion).
Darf ich Ihnen einen Vorschlag machen?
May I make you a suggestion?
To explain the content of a proposal, you can use an infinitive construction with 'zu' or a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that). The infinitive construction is often more elegant.
Sein Vorschlag, das Projekt abzubrechen, wurde diskutiert.
His proposal to cancel the project was discussed.
This meaning is purely technical language from music. You recognize it immediately from the context: when notes, melodies, instruments, or composers are being discussed, the musical 'Vorschlag' (grace note) is meant.
In diesem Stück von Mozart gibt es viele Vorschläge.
There are many grace notes in this piece by Mozart.
idea
'die Idee' and 'der Vorschlag' are close in meaning because a suggestion often comes from an idea. 'die Idee' is first a thought or inspiration. It can exist only in your head and does not have to be said to anyone yet. 'der Vorschlag' is an idea that you mention to others so that they can decide on it or respond to it. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday life people often say, 'Ich habe eine Idee' ('I have an idea') and then present exactly that idea as a suggestion. Remember: the idea arises in your head; the suggestion goes to other people.
Nach dem Gespräch macht der Chef einen Vorschlag für die neue Aufgabenverteilung.
After the conversation, the boss makes a suggestion for the new distribution of tasks.
Für den Ausflug hat Lisa eine Idee, aber sie muss noch den Preis prüfen.
Lisa has an idea for the outing, but she still needs to check the price.