die Initiative ergreifen

to take the first step or act proactively

Türkçe: ilk adımı atmak

Not die Initiative nehmen

English says to take, so nehmen is the verb that comes to mind. German does not take it here. Initiative goes with ergreifen, and the pairing is fixed — it is not a rule you can work out, only one you can learn.

Noun

Initiative f.

Verb

ergreifen

Topic

Arbeit und Beruf

In a sentence

Die junge Aktivistin ergreift die Initiative für den Klimaschutz.

How it is used

Means to take the first step or act proactively. Formal register. Use in a meeting: 'Ich ergreife die Initiative und starte das Projekt.' Implies leadership without being asked.

Other verbs that go with Initiative

This is the choice the collocation turns on.

• die Initiative übernehmento assume leadership or control of an effort

All collocations with Initiative

Other collocations built on ergreifen

• Besitz ergreifen von+Dat.to seize or take control, often by force
• einen Beruf ergreifento take up a profession
• die Flucht ergreifento take flight
• die / eine Gelegenheit ergreifento seize an opportunity
• Maßnahmen ergreifento take measures
• die Macht ergreifento seize power
• Partei ergreifen für+Akk.to take sides for someone
• das Wort ergreifento begin speaking