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nounnoun

die Sondierung, -en

sounding · exploratory discussion

Eine erste Prüfung oder ein Gespräch, um herauszufinden, welche Möglichkeiten es gibt und ob man zusammenarbeiten kann.

Definition & meaning

Sondierung is the act of exploring, probing, or investigating something in order to learn more about it. Its precise meaning depends on the context:

  • Preliminary talks or exploratory discussions, especially political talks held before formal negotiations or the formation of a coalition.
    Example: Sondierungsgespräche means “exploratory talks.” [Sondierungsgespräche ]
  • A medical examination using a probe or instrument, such as examining a passage or cavity.
  • Surveying or measuring, for example examining soil or the seabed to assess its depth or condition.

Grammar & Word origin

Sondierung is a feminine noun: die Sondierung. Its plural is die Sondierungen.

It is derived from the verb sondieren (“to probe,” “to investigate,” or “to sound out”) and the noun-forming suffix -ung . The verb is related to Sonde , a probe or instrument used for examining or measuring.

Synonyms & antonyms

Possible synonyms vary by context:

  • Erkundung : exploration or reconnaissance; often suggests gathering information about a place or subject.
  • Untersuchung : examination or investigation; broader and often more systematic.
  • Vorverhandlung : preliminary negotiation; closer to the political or diplomatic sense.
  • Abtastung : probing or feeling out; can suggest a cautious initial assessment.

There is no single direct antonym. Depending on the context, Abbruch (“termination” or “breakoff”) can contrast with ongoing exploratory talks, while Festlegung (“decision” or “determination”) can contrast with the tentative, exploratory nature of a sondierung.

Common phrases & collocations

  • Sondierungsgespräche — exploratory talks, especially between political parties.
  • politische Sondierung — political exploration or preliminary discussions.
  • eine Sondierung durchführen — to carry out a probing examination or survey.
  • Bodensondierung — soil probing or ground investigation.

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Examples

Nach ersten Sondierungen beginnen die Parteien ihre Verhandlungen.noun

After initial soundings, the parties begin their negotiations.

Erste Sondierungen zur Zusammenarbeit verliefen positiv.noun

Initial exploratory discussions about cooperation went well.

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