The idea
Use auswählen for selecting an option from a set. Use entscheiden for reaching a decision or resolving a question. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.
| Expression | Meaning in comparison |
|---|---|
| auswählen | „Auswählen“ sucht etwas aus mehreren Möglichkeiten aus. |
| entscheiden | „Entscheiden“ legt fest, was gelten oder geschehen soll. |
Examples
- Wähle ein Foto für die Einladung aus.Choose a photo for the invitation.
- Wir entscheiden morgen über das Budget.We will decide on the budget tomorrow.
- Die Jury wählt drei Beiträge aus.The jury selects three entries.
- Ich habe mich für den späteren Zug entschieden.I decided to take the later train.
- Aus den Einsendungen wählen wir ein Titelbild aus.We select a cover image from the submissions.
- Der Vorstand entscheidet erst nach der Abstimmung.The board will decide only after the vote.
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Watch out
Use sich für etwas entscheiden for choosing an option; do not drop sich in that pattern.
Try it yourself
What does “auswählen” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “entscheiden”.
Show answer or example answer
„Auswählen“ sucht etwas aus mehreren Möglichkeiten aus. „Entscheiden“ legt fest, was gelten oder geschehen soll.
auswählen matches selecting an option from a set; the German definition gives the intended sense.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Wir entscheiden morgen über das Budget.
Show answer or example answer
entscheiden: „Entscheiden“ legt fest, was gelten oder geschehen soll.
Wir entscheiden morgen über das Budget. uses entscheiden for reaching a decision or resolving a question. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “auswählen” and “entscheiden” in different situations.
Show answer or example answer
Mögliche Lösungen: Die Jury wählt drei Beiträge aus. Ich habe mich für den späteren Zug entschieden.
The model pair keeps the meanings separate: auswählen expresses selecting an option from a set, whereas entscheiden expresses reaching a decision or resolving a question. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
What does “auswählen” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “entscheiden”.
„Auswählen“ sucht etwas aus mehreren Möglichkeiten aus. „Entscheiden“ legt fest, was gelten oder geschehen soll.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Wir entscheiden morgen über das Budget.
entscheiden: „Entscheiden“ legt fest, was gelten oder geschehen soll.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “auswählen” and “entscheiden” in different situations.
Mögliche Lösungen: Die Jury wählt drei Beiträge aus. Ich habe mich für den späteren Zug entschieden.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe two real situations from your day, using auswählen in one and entscheiden in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.