German word

Option

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔpˈtsi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounoption

Example

Ich habe zwei Optionen zur Auswahl.

I have two options to choose from.

Illustration for Option (option)

More examples

Wenn alles andere scheitert, bleibt das als letzte Option.

If everything else fails, that remains the last option.

Core concept

Several available routes gathered around a decision point, with each route offering a different choice.

Common phrases

  • als letzte Option bleiben

    remain the last option

  • eine Option in Betracht ziehen

    consider an option

  • auf eine Option setzen

    bank on an option

Similar words

Möglichkeit: Something that can happen or be done.
Wahl: The act of choosing one item from several.
Auswahl: A set of choices available for selection.
Alternative: A different choice that serves the same purpose.

Definition in German

Eine von mehreren möglichen Alternativen, die zur Auswahl stehen.

Word origin

The noun derives from Latin optio, from optare, to choose, and was adopted into German as a learned term.

Usage tips

  • Option often sounds more formal than Möglichkeit in everyday German, especially when referring to an available course of action.

Other meanings

  • alternativenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • optionaloptionaladjective

Word lists with this word