German word

entscheiden

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛntˈʃaɪ̯dn̩/

Meaning

  • verbdecide

Example

Ich entscheide mich heute.

I'll decide today.

Illustration for entscheiden (decide)

More examples

Sie entscheidet sich für das Studium.

She decides to pursue her studies.

Core concept

A hand separates one path from several branching paths and commits to the selected route.

Common phrases

  • sich entscheiden für

    decide on

  • sich entscheiden zwischen

    decide between

Similar words

nehmen: Choosing an offered item as the one to take.
wählen: Choosing a preferred option from several candidates.
auswählen: Picking out one particular item from a larger selection.
entschließen: Forming a firm decision and committing to follow it.

Definition in German

zwischen mehreren Möglichkeiten wählen und eine endgültige Entscheidung treffen

Word origin

Entscheiden developed from Germanic ent- plus scheiden, meaning to separate, through the older sense of distinguishing or settling a choice.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form is common for personal choices: sich entscheiden für takes the accusative, as in sich für einen Plan entscheiden.

Other meanings

  • judgeverb

Opposites

  • zögernhesitateverb
  • zaudernditherverb

Related words

Word lists with this word