die Initiative, -n
initiative
Der erste Schritt, etwas Neues zu beginnen oder aktiv zu handeln, ohne auf Anweisungen zu warten.
Definition & meaning
The word die Initiative refers to the ability to assess and initiate things independently; the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do. It describes the first step or action in a process, often leading to a project or a collective movement.
There are two primary ways the word is used in German:
- Personal agency: The quality of being able to act on one's own without needing to be prompted by others. (e.g., "She showed a lot of initiative at work.")
- Organized action: An organized group or movement formed to achieve a specific political, social, or civic goal. (e.g., "The local citizen's initiative successfully blocked the construction of the highway.")
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: Feminine noun (die). Plural: die Initiativen.
- Word origin: The word is derived from the Latin initium (beginning). It entered the German language via the French initiative. It describes the act of "beginning" or "entering" into a task.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- der Unternehmungsgeist (spirit of enterprise)
- die Eigeninitiative (personal initiative)
- der Anstoß (impulse/push)
- die Aktion (action)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er ergreift die Initiative und startet ein neues Projekt.noun
He takes the initiative and starts a new project.
Eine neue Initiative wurde gestartet.noun
A new initiative has been launched.
Eine neue Initiative wurde ins Leben gerufen.noun
A new initiative was launched.
Haben Sie von diesen sozialen Initiativen gehört?noun
Have you heard of these social initiatives?
Ohne eigene Initiative wirst du keinen Erfolg haben.noun
Without your own initiative, you will not have any success.
Wer übernimmt bei diesem Projekt die Initiative?noun
Who is taking the initiative on this project?
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