Decide meanings in German

entscheiden

Example:

I need to decide which movie to watch tonight.

Ich muss entscheiden, welchen Film ich heute Abend anschauen möchte.

She finally decided to quit her job and travel the world.

Sie hat sich schließlich entschieden, ihren Job zu kündigen und um die Welt zu reisen.

Usage: formal/informalContext: General situations where a choice or conclusion needs to be made.

Note: The most common translation of 'decide' in Deutsch. Used in both formal and informal contexts.

beschließen

Example:

The committee decided to postpone the meeting until next week.

Das Komitee beschloss, das Treffen auf nächste Woche zu verschieben.

After much discussion, they finally decided to adopt the new policy.

Nach langer Diskussion beschlossen sie schließlich, die neue Richtlinie anzunehmen.

Usage: formalContext: Formal settings like meetings, committees, or official decisions.

Note: Often used in official or formal contexts for making decisions that have been deliberated or resolved through a process.

festlegen

Example:

We need to decide on a date for the meeting.

Wir müssen ein Datum für das Treffen festlegen.

The team decided on the color scheme for the new product.

Das Team legte das Farbschema für das neue Produkt fest.

Usage: formalContext: Setting specific details, schedules, or plans.

Note: Used when making a decision to set specific parameters, dates, or details for a particular purpose or event.

bestimmen

Example:

The judge will decide the outcome of the case.

Der Richter wird den Ausgang des Falles bestimmen.

The weather will decide whether we can have a picnic or not.

Das Wetter wird bestimmen, ob wir ein Picknick machen können oder nicht.

Usage: formalContext: Determining results, rulings, or influencing outcomes.

Note: Commonly used in legal or authoritative contexts where the decision has a significant impact on an outcome or result.

choose

To choose means to select from a number of possibilities. It implies making a decision after considering different options.

Example: I couldn't decide between the blue or red dress, so I chose the black one instead.

Note: Choosing often involves selecting one option from multiple available choices, while deciding can involve making a judgment or reaching a conclusion.

determine

To determine means to come to a decision or settle a question after consideration.

Example: After much deliberation, we finally determined the best course of action.

Note: Determining often involves reaching a conclusion based on analysis or investigation, while deciding can be a more general term for making up one's mind.

resolve

To resolve means to find a solution to a problem or dispute.

Example: We need to resolve this issue before it escalates further.

Note: Resolving often implies finding a solution to a specific issue or conflict, while deciding can refer to making a choice or reaching a conclusion in a broader sense.

opt

To opt means to make a choice or decision from a range of possibilities.

Example: I think I'll opt for the vegetarian option at the restaurant.

Note: Opting often involves selecting a preference or choice from available options, while deciding can encompass a wider range of decision-making processes.

Make up one's mind

To make a decision after considering options or possibilities.

Example: After much deliberation, she finally made up her mind to accept the job offer.

Note: This idiom emphasizes the act of finalizing a decision after a period of contemplation.

On the fence

To be undecided or unsure about a decision.

Example: I'm still on the fence about whether to go on the trip or not.

Note: This phrase conveys a state of indecision or neutrality rather than actively making a decision.

Weigh the pros and cons

To consider the advantages and disadvantages of a decision before making it.

Example: Before buying a new car, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of different models.

Note: This phrase involves a systematic evaluation of the positive and negative aspects of a decision.

At a crossroads

In a position where a decision or a choice needs to be made.

Example: After college, she found herself at a crossroads, unsure of which career path to choose.

Note: This idiom implies a critical juncture where a decision will significantly impact future directions.

Call the shots

To make the decisions and give orders.

Example: As the team captain, she gets to call the shots during the game.

Note: This phrase emphasizes not just making a decision but also having authority and control over the situation.

Take the plunge

To make a decision to do something important or risky.

Example: After much thought, he decided to take the plunge and start his own business.

Note: This idiom implies a bold and decisive action, often involving a significant commitment or risk.

Come to a decision

To reach or make a decision after consideration or deliberation.

Example: After hours of discussion, the committee finally came to a decision about the budget.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the process of reaching a conclusion after discussion or thought.

Stick to one's guns

To refuse to change one's mind or position despite criticism or opposition.

Example: Despite opposition, she stuck to her guns and refused to compromise on her principles.

Note: This idiom highlights the determination to maintain a decision or stance even when faced with resistance.

Make a choice

This slang term means to decide between options or alternatives.

Example: I need to make a choice between the two job offers.

Note: Similar to 'decide,' but may imply a simpler decision-making process.

Settle on

To choose or decide on something after considering various options.

Example: Have you settled on which restaurant to go to tonight?

Note: Implies a final decision after some contemplation or discussion.

Lock in

To decide and confirm a particular plan or course of action.

Example: Let's lock in our plans for the weekend before things get too busy.

Note: Conveys decisiveness and commitment to a specific decision or arrangement.

Nail down

To determine or finalize something, especially after considering all aspects.

Example: We need to nail down the details before we can move forward.

Note: Suggests a thorough and definitive decision-making process.

Opt for

To choose or decide in favor of a particular option or choice.

Example: I think I'll opt for the healthier option on the menu today.

Note: Emphasizes choosing one option over others, often implying a preference.

Conclude on

To reach a decision or agreement about something after considering different perspectives or options.

Example: After much discussion, we were able to conclude on a solution.

Note: Implies reaching a decision through a process of deliberation or negotiation.

Opt to go with

To choose or select a specific option or alternative.

Example: I've decided to opt to go with the more affordable option for now.

Note: Emphasizes making a deliberate choice and often implies selecting from multiple options.

I need to decide what to wear to the party.

Ich muss entscheiden, was ich zur Party anziehen soll.

They decided to go on a road trip instead of flying.

Sie entschieden sich, anstatt zu fliegen, eine Roadtrip zu machen.

She couldn't decide which flavor of ice cream to choose.

Sie konnte sich nicht entscheiden, welchen Eissorten sie wählen sollte.

Decide - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: decide

Conjugations

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): decided

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): deciding

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): decides

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): decide

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): decide

Syllables, Separation and Stress

decide Contains 2 syllables: de • cide

Phonetic transcription: di-ˈsīd

de cide , di ˈsīd (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

decide: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Decide