der
Entschluss
🎯 What exactly is an 'Entschluss'?
Der Entschluss (noun, masculine) refers to a firm decision, resolution, or determination to do or not do something specific. It's the result of a decision-making process, often after careful consideration (nach reiflicher Überlegung). An Entschluss is generally more final and firm than a mere Idee (idea) or Absicht (intention).
Example: Nach langem Nachdenken fasste er den Entschluss, seinen Job zu kündigen. (After long consideration, he made the decision to quit his job.)
There is only one article, der, for the word Entschluss.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-us/-uss/-uß → mostly masculine.
Including -ismus nouns (100% masculine, e.g. der Tourismus)
🧐 Grammar of 'der Entschluss' in Detail
The word 'Entschluss' is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Entschluss |
| Genitive | des | Entschlusses |
| Dative | dem | Entschluss / Entschlusse |
| Accusative | den | Entschluss |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Entschlüsse |
| Genitive | der | Entschlüsse |
| Dative | den | Entschlüssen |
| Accusative | die | Entschlüsse |
📝 Example Sentences
- Sein Entschluss stand fest. (His decision was firm. - Nominative Singular)
- Die Tragweite seines Entschlusses war ihm nicht bewusst. (He wasn't aware of the implications of his decision. - Genitive Singular)
- Er blieb bei seinem Entschluss. (He stuck to his decision. - Dative Singular)
- Sie teilte ihm ihren Entschluss mit. (She informed him of her decision. - Accusative Singular)
- Die Konferenz führte zu wichtigen Entschlüssen. (The conference led to important resolutions. - Nominative Plural)
💬 How to use 'Entschluss'?
The term 'Entschluss' is often used in contexts where an important or final decision is made. It sounds somewhat more formal and stronger than the word 'Entscheidung' (decision).
- Einen Entschluss fassen: This is the most common collocation and means to make a decision/resolution. Example: Sie hat den Entschluss gefasst, auszuwandern. (She made the decision to emigrate.)
- Zu einem Entschluss kommen: Similar to 'fassen', but often emphasizes the process leading to the decision. Example: Nach langer Diskussion kamen wir zu einem Entschluss. (After a long discussion, we reached a decision.)
- Ein fester Entschluss: Emphasizes the firmness or irrevocability of the decision. Example: Es war sein fester Entschluss, das Studium abzuschließen. (It was his firm resolution to finish his studies.)
⚠️ Potential confusion: 'Beschluss' is very similar but is more frequently used for formal decisions made by committees or groups (e.g., a Gerichtsbeschluss - court order, a Vorstandsbeschluss - board resolution), whereas 'Entschluss' is often more personal.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think: Der Man (the man) makes den Entschluss. Stereotypically associate the masculine article der with making firm decisions.
Meaning Mnemonic: 'Entschluss' contains 'Schluss' (end, conclusion). You make an end to hesitation (Zögern) and reach a conclusion – an Ent-schluss.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Entschluss
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Entscheidung: (Decision) Often interchangeable, but 'Entschluss' feels firmer.
- Beschluss: (Resolution, decision) More for formal, often collective decisions.
- Vorsatz: (Resolution, intention) An intention, often for the future (e.g., New Year's resolution - Neujahrsvorsatz).
- Wille: (Will) The general intention or desire.
- Absicht: (Intention) A plan or purpose, less firm than an 'Entschluss'.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Zögern: (Hesitation) Delaying a decision.
- Unentschlossenheit: (Indecision) The state of being unable to decide.
- Zweifel: (Doubt) Uncertainty about a decision.
- Schwanken: (Wavering) Being torn between different options.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum treffen Glühbirnen nie einen Entschluss?
Weil sie immer zwischen an und aus schwanken! 😉
(Why do light bulbs never make a decision?
Because they're always wavering between on and off!)
✍️ A Poem about the Entschluss
Gedanken kreisen, hin und her,
Die Wahl zu treffen, fällt so schwer.
Doch dann ein Funke, klar und licht,
Ein fester Wille spricht:
Der Entschluss ist nun gefasst,
Kein Zögern mehr, nur feste Hast.
Ein neuer Weg, ein klares Ziel,
Das Herz ist voller Tatgefühl.
(Thoughts circle, back and forth,
Making the choice feels so hard.
But then a spark, clear and bright,
A firm will speaks:
The resolution is now made,
No more hesitation, only firm haste.
A new path, a clear goal,
The heart is full of a sense of action.)
🧩 Who am I? A Riddle
Ich beende das Zögern, das lange Warten,
Ich bringe Klarheit in unsichere Karten.
Man fasst mich oder kommt zu mir,
Ich bin das Ende vom Hin und Hier.
Was bin ich?
(I end the hesitation, the long wait,
I bring clarity to uncertain fates.
You 'grasp' me or 'come' to me,
I am the end of wavering, you see.
What am I?)
(Solution: Der Entschluss / The decision/resolution)
💡 More Tidbits
Word Formation: The word 'Entschluss' derives from the verb 'entschließen' (to decide, to resolve). The prefix 'ent-' often expresses the beginning or result of an action here (similar to 'entstehen' - to arise, 'entdecken' - to discover). The stem 'schließen' (to close, to conclude) points to the ending of deliberation – one 'closes' the phase of weighing options.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Entschluss?
The noun Entschluss is masculine, so the correct article is always der. It means a firm decision or resolution.