German word

Initiative

Pronunciation

IPA/init͡si̯aˈtiːvə/

Meaning

  • feminine nouninitiative

Example

Er zeigt Initiative.

He shows initiative.

Illustration for Initiative (initiative)

More examples

Die Gruppe wartete, bis jemand Initiative ergriff.

The group waited until someone took the initiative.

Core concept

A proposal or action starts moving because someone steps forward and takes responsibility for it.

Common phrases

  • Initiative ergreifen

    take the initiative

  • eine Initiative starten

    launch an initiative

  • aus eigener Initiative handeln

    act on one's own initiative

Similar words

Eigeninitiative: Acting independently by one's own judgment and responsibility.
Vorschlag: A specific idea or plan proposed to address an issue.

Definition in German

Ein Substantiv für das freiwillige und voranbringende Ergreifen von Maßnahmen oder Vorschlägen, ohne dazu von außen aufgefordert zu werden.

Word origin

The noun comes through French initiative from Latin initium, a beginning, and developed into a term for taking the lead in action.

Usage tips

  • Auf eigene Initiative means voluntarily, while auf Initiative von X means at X's suggestion or instigation.

Opposites

  • Passivitätpassivitynoun

Related words

  • Initiatorinitiatornoun
  • initiativproactiveadjective

Word lists with this word