die Einigung, -en
agreement
Eine gemeinsame Entscheidung oder ein gemeinsames Ja von zwei oder mehr Seiten.
Definition & meaning
The word "Einigung" refers to the process or the result of reaching a common opinion, a compromise, or an agreement between two or more parties. It is commonly used in legal, political, and social contexts to describe the resolution of a conflict or the successful conclusion of negotiations.
There are two primary shades of meaning:
- Agreement/Settlement: The act of coming to terms or finding a mutual understanding after a period of disagreement or negotiation (e.g., a wage agreement between employers and a union).
- Unification: In certain historical or formal contexts, it can refer to the act of becoming one or forming a single unit, although the word Vereinigung is more common for physical or organizational mergers.
Grammar & Word origin
The word "Einigung" is a feminine noun. Its plural form is "Einigungen", though it is frequently used in the singular.
It is derived from the verb einigen, which means "to agree" or "to unify." The verb itself stems from the adjective einig, meaning "united," "unanimous," or "at one." The suffix "-ung" is a standard German ending used to transform a verb into a noun that describes an action, a process, or the result of that action.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: The most common synonyms depend on the context of the agreement:
- Übereinkunft (a general agreement or convention)
- Abkommen (a formal treaty or pact)
- Konsens (a consensus or general agreement)
- Vereinbarung (an arrangement or appointment)
- Verständigung (the act of reaching an understanding)
- Kompromiss (a compromise)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Einigung zwischen den Parteien kommt nicht zustande.noun
The agreement between the parties does not come about.
Eine Einigung wurde nach langen Verhandlungen erreicht.noun
An agreement was reached after long negotiations.
Eine Einigung zu finden, kann manchmal schwierig sein.noun
Finding an agreement can sometimes be difficult.
Wir haben eine Einigung erzielt.noun
We have reached an agreement.
Nach langen Gesprächen konnte endlich eine Einigung erreicht werden.noun
After long discussions, an agreement could finally be reached.
Ohne eine klare Einigung entstehen oft neue Konflikte.noun
Without a clear agreement, new conflicts often arise.
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