die  Resolution

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁezoˈluːʦi̯oːn/

📜 What does "die Resolution" actually mean?

The German word die Resolution (feminine) primarily has two meanings:

1. A decision or resolution: This often refers to a formal decision made by a group, committee, or organization (e.g., in Politik [politics], at meetings).
2. The resolution (in technology): This describes the level of detail or sharpness of an image, display, or sensor. A hohe Auflösung (high resolution) means more details.

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning!

📚 Grammar of "die Resolution" in Detail

Die Resolution is a feminine noun. Like many feminine nouns ending in -ion, the stem usually remains unchanged in declension, but an -en is added in the plural.

💡 Clarifying Examples

1. Die Vereinten Nationen verabschiedeten eine neue Resolution.
   (The United Nations passed a new resolution.) (Meaning: decision)
2. Der neue Monitor hat eine sehr hohe Resolution.
   (The new monitor has a very high resolution.) (Meaning: technical resolution)
3. Wir müssen über die Details der Resolution noch sprechen.
   (We still need to talk about the details of the resolution.) (Genitive Singular, Meaning: decision)
4. Viele Länder stimmten den Resolutionen zu.
   (Many countries agreed to the resolutions.) (Dative Plural, Meaning: decisions)

🗣️ How to use "die Resolution"?

The usage of die Resolution heavily depends on the context:

• In a political or formal context: Here, die Resolution almost always means an official decision or declaration. Common phrases are eine Resolution verabschieden (to pass a resolution), einbringen (to introduce), zustimmen (to agree to) or ablehnen (to reject). Synonyms like der Beschluss or die Entschließung are often interchangeable, although Resolution can sound more international or formal.
• In a technical context: Here, die Resolution refers to image quality, usually for screens, cameras, or printers. People talk about hohe/niedrige Resolution (high/low resolution), Bildschirmresolution (screen resolution), or Auflösung. Auflösung is the more common German word here, while Resolution is often used in technical jargon.
• Personal intention: Similar to 'New Year's resolution', die Resolution can occasionally mean a firm personal intention. However, der Vorsatz or der Entschluss are more common in this case. Example: Meine Resolution für das neue Jahr ist, mehr Sport zu treiben. (This sounds slightly elevated or formal).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

1. Remembering the article: Words ending in -ion in German are almost always feminine (die). Think: The important mission (die Mission) of the polition (politician!) was to pass die Resolution.

2. Remembering the meaning: Imagine serious politicians deciding on a solution (Resolution) to a problem. Or think of a high-resolution screen offering a clear solution (Resolution) for blurry images.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Words

⚠️ Potential for Confusion

Sometimes, die Lösung (the solution to a problem or answer) might be confused with die Resolution (decision). Remember, Lösung usually refers to finding an answer, while Resolution (in the political sense) is the decision itself.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seine Mitarbeiter: "Hat jemand eine gute Resolution für das Meeting?"
Antwortet ein Mitarbeiter: "Ja, eine höhere Bildschirmresolution für die Präsentation wäre nicht schlecht!"

Translation:
The boss asks his employees: "Does anyone have a good resolution for the meeting?"
An employee replies: "Yes, a higher screen resolution for the presentation wouldn't be bad!"

✍️ A Poem about Resolution

Im Gremium, nach Debatten lang,
erklingt der Hammer, heller Klang.
Man stimmt nun ab, es wird vollbracht,
die Resolution ist gemacht.

Am Bildschirm, Pixel, klein und dicht,
zeigt sie Details in klarem Licht.
Für scharfe Bilder, ohne Frage,
sorgt die Resolution, Tag für Tage.

Translation:
In the committee, after long debates,
the hammer sounds, a bright clang dictates.
The vote is cast, the deed is done,
the resolution has been won.

On screen, pixels, small and tight,
show details clear in sharpest light.
For crisp images, it's the gauge,
the resolution sets the stage.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich kann ein fester Wille sein,
oder ein Bild gestochen fein.
In Politik werd' ich beschlossen,
auf Screens hab ich Details vergossen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I can be a firm resolve,
Or make an image sharp evolve.
In politics, I am decreed,
On screens, detail is my creed.

What am I?

Solution: die Resolution

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word Resolution comes from the Latin word resolutio, meaning 'loosening', 'solution', or 'resoluteness'. This explains the two main meanings in German.

Compounds: You often find the word in compound nouns like UN-Resolution (United Nations resolution) or Bildschirmresolution (screen resolution).