Aktion

See also: aktion

German

16th century, learned borrowing from Latin āctiō. Doublet of Action and Aktie.

Aktion f (genitive Aktion, plural Aktionen, diminutive Aktiönchen n)

(countable) operation, campaign, measure, organized course of action
Synonyms: Unternehmen, Vorgehen, Kampagne, Maßnahme

Polizeiaktion ― police operation

Protestaktion ― organized form of protest, protest campaign

Spendenaktion ― fundraising campaign
(countable, specifically) sales campaign
Synonyms: Angebot, Sonderangebot
(countable) act, deed, typically unusual, often negative
Synonyms: Handlung, Tat

Diese dumme Aktion hätte er sich sparen sollen.
He should have been wise enough not to commit this stupid act.
(usually uncountable, mostly with in or außer) action, activity
Synonyms: Einsatz, Betätigung

Nach kurzem Krankenhausaufenthalt ist er schon wieder in Aktion.
After a short stay in hospital he’s already back in action.
(usually uncountable, often juxtaposed with Reaktion) action, impulse
Synonyms: Wirkung, Impuls

Aktion und Reaktion ― action and reaction

The German word is semantically close to English action and thus cannot quite be considered a false friend. Nevertheless, as indicated, it more often corresponds to other English words such as act, operation, campaign.

Declension of Aktion [feminine]

Aktionsart, Aktionspotential, Aktionspreis, Aktionsradius, Aktionstag, Aktionswoche