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B1 verb #3,000 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

sich verständigen

At the A1 beginner level, the concept of 'sich verständigen' is introduced primarily as a survival skill for basic interactions. While the reflexive grammar might be slightly advanced for absolute beginners, the core idea is taught through practical phrases. Learners at this stage are not expected to master the complex nuances of negotiations or formal agreements. Instead, the focus is entirely on the literal meaning of 'making oneself understood' in everyday, essential situations. Imagine a tourist in Germany trying to order food, ask for directions, or buy a train ticket. They might not know the perfect grammar or the exact vocabulary, but they use gestures, pointing, and isolated words to achieve their goal. This raw, fundamental act of transferring meaning despite limitations is the essence of 'sich verständigen' at the A1 level. Teachers often use this verb to encourage students not to be afraid of making mistakes. The message is: 'It does not matter if your sentence is grammatically flawless; what matters is that you can sich verständigen.' Students learn simple sentences like 'Wir verständigen uns auf Englisch' (We communicate in English) or 'Ich kann mich ein bisschen verständigen' (I can make myself understood a little bit). These phrases empower learners to acknowledge their language level while still actively participating in conversations. The vocabulary surrounding this verb at A1 includes basic nouns like 'Sprache' (language), 'Hände' (hands), and 'Wörter' (words). The grammatical focus is on simply recognizing the reflexive pronoun 'mich' or 'uns' without necessarily diving deep into the mechanics of reflexive verbs, which are typically covered more thoroughly in A2. The primary goal is building confidence and realizing that communication is possible even with a very limited linguistic toolkit. This foundational understanding sets the stage for more complex usages in later levels.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and usage of 'sich verständigen' expand significantly. At this stage, students are actively learning the mechanics of reflexive verbs, making 'sich verständigen' a perfect, practical example to practice this grammatical structure. They learn to conjugate it properly across different persons: ich verständige mich, du verständigst dich, er/sie/es verständigt sich, etc. The focus shifts from mere survival communication to slightly more detailed exchanges of information in familiar contexts, such as shopping, simple social interactions, and basic workplace scenarios. At A2, learners begin to use the preposition 'mit' (with) to specify who they are communicating with. Sentences like 'Ich verständige mich gut mit meinem Kollegen' (I communicate well with my colleague) become common. This adds a layer of relational context to the verb. Furthermore, students at this level are introduced to the past tense, specifically the Perfekt. They learn to say 'Wir haben uns gut verständigt' (We communicated well), allowing them to recount past experiences, such as a recent trip or a conversation with a native speaker. The vocabulary associated with the verb also broadens to include terms like 'Ausland' (abroad), 'Kollege' (colleague), and 'Nachbar' (neighbor). The concept of overcoming a barrier is still present, but the barriers are slightly more complex than just not knowing a single word; they might involve understanding a strong accent or explaining a simple problem, like a broken appliance to a landlord. Teachers emphasize that 'sich verständigen' is about the successful bridge-building between two people. By mastering this verb at the A2 level, students transition from speaking in isolated phrases to engaging in actual, albeit simple, dialogues where mutual understanding is the clear, achievable goal.
The B1 level is where 'sich verständigen' truly shines and becomes a central, highly active part of a learner's vocabulary. At this intermediate stage, students are expected to handle a wide variety of everyday situations independently, and the ability to negotiate meaning and reach agreements is paramount. The dual nature of the verb—both 'to communicate' and 'to agree'—is fully explored. Learners are introduced to the preposition 'auf' + accusative, which unlocks the meaning of reaching a consensus. They practice sentences like 'Wir müssen uns auf einen Termin verständigen' (We need to agree on an appointment) or 'Können wir uns auf diesen Preis verständigen?' (Can we agree on this price?). This usage is incredibly practical for organizing meetings, planning trips with friends, or handling basic business transactions. At B1, students also learn to express nuances of HOW communication happens, using phrases like 'sich nonverbal verständigen' (to communicate nonverbally) or 'sich mühelos verständigen' (to communicate effortlessly). The grammar focus includes using the verb in subordinate clauses, such as 'Es ist wichtig, dass wir uns gut verständigen' (It is important that we communicate well), and with modal verbs, like 'Wir wollen uns friedlich verständigen' (We want to reach a peaceful agreement). The vocabulary expands to include words like 'Kompromiss' (compromise), 'Verhandlung' (negotiation), and 'Bedingung' (condition). The verb is frequently used in discussions about cultural differences, travel experiences, and workplace dynamics. By the end of B1, a student should feel entirely comfortable using 'sich verständigen' to describe both the process of overcoming a communication barrier and the successful outcome of agreeing on a specific plan or topic. It becomes a marker of conversational competence and independence.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, the usage of 'sich verständigen' becomes much more sophisticated, nuanced, and abstract. Learners are now dealing with complex texts, abstract topics, and professional environments where precise communication is critical. The verb is frequently encountered in journalistic articles, formal reports, and business correspondence. At this stage, the focus is heavily on the 'agreement' and 'consensus' aspects of the verb, particularly in formal contexts. Students learn to understand and produce sentences like 'Die beiden Parteien haben sich nach langen Verhandlungen auf einen Vertrag verständigt' (The two parties agreed on a contract after long negotiations). The vocabulary surrounding the verb becomes highly advanced, including terms like 'Gewerkschaft' (labor union), 'Arbeitgeber' (employer), 'Abkommen' (treaty), and 'Streitigkeit' (dispute). Grammatically, B2 learners practice using the verb in the Präteritum (simple past) for written narratives, such as 'Sie verständigten sich auf eine Waffenruhe' (They agreed on a ceasefire). They also explore nominalized forms, such as 'Die Verständigung' (the understanding/agreement), which is crucial for academic and formal writing. Furthermore, B2 students learn to distinguish 'sich verständigen' carefully from its close synonyms like 'sich einigen' or 'abmachen', understanding the subtle differences in register and connotation. They also master the distinction between the reflexive 'sich verständigen' and the non-reflexive 'jemanden verständigen' (to notify someone), ensuring they do not make this critical error in formal contexts. The verb is used to discuss complex social issues, international relations, and intricate business strategies. Mastery at this level means being able to use the verb to navigate and describe complex negotiations, demonstrating a high level of linguistic and cultural fluency.
At the C1 advanced level, 'sich verständigen' is utilized with near-native precision, effortlessly integrated into complex, highly formal, and abstract discourse. Learners at this stage are engaging with academic papers, legal documents, deep political analysis, and sophisticated literature. The verb is no longer just a tool for everyday survival or basic business; it is a precise instrument for describing intricate diplomatic, legal, and philosophical concepts of consensus and mutual comprehension. C1 students use 'sich verständigen' to articulate the nuances of conflict resolution, international diplomacy, and complex societal debates. They might write essays analyzing how different cultural groups 'sich verständigen' in a globalized society, using advanced syntactic structures like extended participial phrases or complex passive constructions. For example: 'Trotz anfänglicher, scheinbar unüberwindbarer Differenzen gelang es den Delegationen, sich auf ein weitreichendes Klimaabkommen zu verständigen.' (Despite initial, seemingly insurmountable differences, the delegations succeeded in agreeing on a far-reaching climate accord.) The focus is on the elegance and accuracy of expression. Learners also deeply understand the etymological roots of the word, connecting it to 'Verstand' (intellect) to discuss the cognitive and psychological aspects of communication. They effortlessly switch between the reflexive and non-reflexive forms depending on the context, and they use a wide array of sophisticated adverbs and prepositional phrases to modify the verb, such as 'sich stillschweigend verständigen' (to reach a tacit agreement) or 'sich auf dem kleinsten gemeinsamen Nenner verständigen' (to agree on the lowest common denominator). At C1, the verb is a testament to the learner's ability to navigate the highest registers of the German language with confidence and absolute clarity.
At the C2 mastery level, the use of 'sich verständigen' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner possesses an intuitive, profound grasp of the verb's absolute full range of meanings, connotations, and stylistic applications across all conceivable contexts, from the most obscure literary texts to the most rigorous legal and philosophical treatises. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'sich verständigen' is employed to dissect the very nature of human communication and societal contract. C2 users can effortlessly deploy the verb in highly idiomatic, culturally embedded expressions and understand its subtle implications in historical or political contexts. They might analyze a philosophical text debating whether true 'Verständigung' is ever philosophically possible between subjective minds. The vocabulary and grammar used in conjunction with the verb are of the highest complexity, involving rare subjunctive forms, intricate nested clauses, and highly specialized terminology. For instance, a C2 speaker might articulate: 'Die diskursive Praxis erfordert, dass die Akteure sich nicht nur auf prozedurale Normen verständigen, sondern auch eine hermeneutische Offenheit kultivieren.' (The discursive practice requires that the actors not only agree on procedural norms but also cultivate a hermeneutic openness.) Furthermore, they can play with the word, using it ironically or subversively in creative writing or advanced rhetoric. They perfectly understand the socio-linguistic weight of the verb, knowing exactly when it sounds authoritative, when it sounds conciliatory, and when it sounds bureaucratic. Mastery at C2 means that 'sich verständigen' is not just a vocabulary word, but a fully integrated concept in the speaker's bilingual or multilingual cognitive framework, allowing for the most nuanced, sophisticated, and impactful expression of thought possible in the German language.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

sich verständigen en 30 secondes

  • It means to successfully communicate and make yourself understood.
  • It is a reflexive verb, requiring 'mich', 'dich', 'sich', 'uns', 'euch'.
  • Use 'mit' for the person and 'auf' for the topic you agree on.
  • It implies a successful outcome or a mutual agreement.
The German reflexive verb 'sich verständigen' is a fundamental cornerstone of effective communication, bridging the critical gap between mere talking and true, profound comprehension. When we analyze this verb deeply, we uncover intricate layers of meaning that extend far beyond the basic, surface-level translation of 'to communicate'. At its absolute core, it implies a mutual, dedicated effort to reach a shared understanding, often overcoming significant barriers such as language differences, opposing viewpoints, or physical distance.

Wir müssen sich verständigen, um das Problem zu lösen.

The reflexive pronoun 'sich' indicates that this is an interactive, two-way process, requiring the active, conscious participation of all parties involved in the dialogue. In everyday, practical scenarios, you might use it when traveling to a foreign country where you do not speak the local language perfectly, yet you still manage to 'sich verständigen' using expressive gestures, basic vocabulary, and helpful contextual clues.
Everyday Usage
Using hands and feet to make oneself understood in a foreign country.
This demonstrates the verb's inherent, strong connection to practical, goal-oriented communication where the outcome is more important than grammatical perfection. Furthermore, in professional, legal, or diplomatic contexts, 'sich verständigen' takes on the highly nuanced meaning of reaching a formal agreement or consensus after a period of negotiation. For instance, two negotiating parties might 'sich auf einen Kompromiss verständigen', meaning they have communicated effectively enough to agree on a mutually beneficial compromise. This dual nature—encompassing both the physical act of making oneself understood and the abstract outcome of reaching an agreement—makes it an absolutely indispensable tool in the German language arsenal.

Sie konnten sich verständigen trotz der Sprachbarriere.

Understanding the etymology helps clarify its modern usage significantly. It stems from the noun 'Verstand' (mind, reason, intellect, understanding) and the adjective 'verständig' (sensible, reasonable, prudent). Therefore, 'sich verständigen' literally translates to making oneself understandable to another person's mind or reason. It is not just about emitting random sounds; it is about ensuring the message lands safely and is processed correctly by the receiver's intellect.
Etymological Root
Derived from 'Verstand', emphasizing the cognitive aspect of communication.
Let us look at some practical, real-world examples to solidify this complex concept. As you can see through daily interactions, the primary focus is always on the successful transmission and reception of the intended message. In a modern world that is increasingly interconnected and globalized, the ability to 'sich verständigen' is more critical than ever before in human history.

Können wir sich verständigen auf einen neuen Termin?

It actively fosters empathy, reduces unnecessary conflicts, and builds sturdy bridges between diverse, vibrant cultures. When learning the German language, mastering this specific verb opens up entirely new avenues for meaningful interaction. You move from simply stating dry facts to actively engaging in dynamic dialogue. It is highly important to distinguish it carefully from similar, related verbs like 'kommunizieren' or 'sprechen'. While 'sprechen' simply means to speak or talk, and 'kommunizieren' is a broader, more academic term for exchanging information, 'sich verständigen' specifically highlights the successful, mutual outcome of that exchange.

Die Parteien sich verständigen nach langen Verhandlungen.

If you are completely lost in the bustling streets of Berlin and ask a local for directions, you are actively trying to 'sich verständigen'.
Travel Context
Essential for navigating situations where you lack fluency.
Even if your grammar is flawed or your vocabulary is limited, if the other person successfully points you in the right direction, you have successfully communicated. This practical, hands-on application is exactly what makes the verb so vital and necessary for learners at the B1 proficiency level. At this intermediate stage, you are expected to handle everyday situations independently, and overcoming communication hurdles is a daily, unavoidable task.

Mit Händen und Füßen sich verständigen.

In the fast-paced business world, 'sich verständigen' is equally, if not more, important. Colleagues must constantly 'sich verständigen' on project goals, strict timelines, and shared responsibilities to ensure smooth operations. Failure to do so inevitably leads to costly misunderstandings and severe inefficiency in the workplace. Therefore, the verb carries a significant weight of responsibility; it implies that you are taking full ownership of your part in the communication process. You are not just talking at someone in a monologue; you are working collaboratively with them to create shared, meaningful understanding. This collaborative, team-oriented aspect is deeply embedded in the German cultural approach to teamwork, efficiency, and problem-solving. By using 'sich verständigen', you clearly signal your willingness to cooperate, listen actively, and find common ground, making it an incredibly powerful word in both personal friendships and professional relationships alike.
Using the verb 'sich verständigen' correctly requires a solid understanding of its reflexive nature and the specific prepositions it commonly pairs with in various contexts. First and foremost, as a reflexive verb, it must always be accompanied by the appropriate reflexive pronoun in the accusative case: mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich. This is a non-negotiable grammatical rule that learners must internalize early on. For example, you say 'Ich verständige mich' (I make myself understood) and 'Wir verständigen uns' (We reach an understanding). The reflexive pronoun is crucial because it directs the action back to the subjects involved, emphasizing the interactive and mutual nature of the communication. When you want to specify WHO you are communicating with, you use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative case. For instance, 'Ich verständige mich mit dem Kunden' means 'I am communicating with the client'. This structure is incredibly common in both everyday conversations and formal business correspondence. It highlights the partnership in the dialogue. On the other hand, when you want to express WHAT you are agreeing upon or reaching an understanding about, you use the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative case. This is where the verb transitions from simply meaning 'to communicate' to meaning 'to agree'. For example, 'Wir haben uns auf einen Preis verständigt' translates to 'We have agreed on a price'. This specific usage is ubiquitous in negotiations, contract discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. It is important to note that 'sich verständigen' can also be used without a preposition when the context of mutual understanding is clear. For example, 'Trotz des Lärms konnten wir uns gut verständigen' (Despite the noise, we could communicate well). Here, the focus is purely on the successful transmission of information despite external obstacles. Another common usage scenario involves describing HOW the communication takes place. You can use phrases like 'sich auf Englisch verständigen' (to communicate in English) or 'sich mit Händen und Füßen verständigen' (to communicate with hands and feet, meaning using gestures). These expressions are particularly useful for language learners and travelers who frequently navigate multilingual environments. In written German, especially in formal or journalistic texts, 'sich verständigen' is often preferred over simpler verbs like 'abmachen' or 'ausmachen' when describing official agreements between organizations, political parties, or nations. For instance, 'Die Regierungen haben sich auf einen Friedensvertrag verständigt' (The governments have agreed on a peace treaty). This elevates the register of the text and conveys a sense of official consensus. When conjugating the verb in different tenses, it follows the standard rules for regular (weak) verbs. In the Perfekt tense, it uses the auxiliary verb 'haben' and the past participle 'verständigt'. For example, 'Wir haben uns gestern verständigt' (We reached an understanding yesterday). In the Präteritum, which is more common in writing, it becomes 'Wir verständigten uns'. Mastering these various structures—the reflexive pronouns, the prepositions 'mit' and 'auf', and the different tenses—will allow you to use 'sich verständigen' with confidence and precision in a wide array of situations, from casual chats with neighbors to high-stakes business meetings. It is a versatile tool that significantly enriches your expressive capabilities in German.
The verb 'sich verständigen' is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, appearing across a vast spectrum of contexts ranging from the most casual everyday encounters to the most formal legal and political discourse. You will frequently hear it in travel scenarios, which is often the first place language learners encounter its practical application. Imagine being at a busy train station in Munich, trying to buy a ticket from an agent who speaks very fast Bavarian dialect. You might later tell your friends, 'Es war schwer, aber wir konnten uns auf Englisch verständigen' (It was hard, but we were able to communicate in English). In this context, it highlights the triumph of overcoming a linguistic barrier. Similarly, in multicultural cities like Berlin or Frankfurt, where people from all over the world interact daily, 'sich verständigen' is the ultimate goal of countless interactions in cafes, shops, and public transport. Beyond travel, the workplace is a primary domain for this verb. In modern corporate environments, clear communication and consensus-building are highly valued. During meetings, a manager might ask the team, 'Können wir uns auf diese Deadline verständigen?' (Can we agree on this deadline?). Here, the verb is used to solidify a commitment and ensure everyone is on the same page. You will also hear it in performance reviews or conflict resolution discussions, where HR professionals might emphasize the need for colleagues to 'sich besser verständigen' to improve team dynamics. In the realm of news and journalism, 'sich verständigen' is a staple vocabulary word. News anchors and reporters use it constantly to describe political negotiations, labor strikes, and international diplomacy. A common headline might read, 'Gewerkschaft und Arbeitgeber haben sich verständigt' (Union and employers have reached an agreement). In these high-stakes scenarios, the verb carries a formal, authoritative tone, indicating that a complex process of dialogue has successfully concluded with a binding resolution. Furthermore, you will encounter it in legal and administrative contexts. Contracts and official documents often use nominalized forms or related phrasing to denote mutual consent. Even in personal relationships, the concept of 'sich verständigen' is crucial. Couples counselors or mediators might use it to encourage partners to truly listen to one another and find common ground. 'Ihr müsst lernen, euch besser zu verständigen' (You need to learn to communicate better with each other) is a common piece of advice. It implies moving beyond arguing and towards empathetic understanding. In literature and film, the verb is often used to highlight themes of connection and isolation. A poignant scene in a movie might feature two characters from different worlds who, despite all odds, manage to 'sich verständigen' through a shared glance or a simple gesture, proving that communication transcends spoken language. By paying attention to these diverse contexts—from the practical struggles of a tourist to the formal declarations of politicians—you will gain a profound appreciation for the versatility and cultural significance of 'sich verständigen' in the German language.
When learning to use 'sich verständigen', students frequently encounter several common pitfalls that can hinder their fluency and cause misunderstandings. The most prevalent mistake is forgetting the reflexive pronoun entirely. Because the English translation is often simply 'to communicate' or 'to agree', which are not reflexive, learners directly translate and say 'Wir verständigen' instead of the correct 'Wir verständigen uns'. This omission makes the sentence grammatically incomplete and confusing to native speakers, as the non-reflexive form 'jemanden verständigen' means something completely different: 'to notify or inform someone' (e.g., 'Ich verständige die Polizei' - I am notifying the police). This distinction is absolutely crucial. Failing to use the reflexive pronoun completely changes the meaning of your sentence from reaching a mutual understanding to reporting an incident. Another major area of difficulty involves the choice of prepositions. Learners often confuse 'mit' and 'auf'. They might say 'Wir verständigen uns mit dem Preis' instead of the correct 'Wir verständigen uns auf den Preis'. To avoid this, you must strictly memorize that 'mit' is used for the PERSON you are communicating with (dative case), while 'auf' is used for the THING or TOPIC you are agreeing upon (accusative case). A related mistake is using the wrong case after these prepositions. For example, saying 'Wir verständigen uns auf dem Termin' (dative) instead of 'auf den Termin' (accusative). Since 'auf' is a two-way preposition, it takes the accusative here because it implies a movement towards an agreement or a goal. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'sich verständigen' with similar-sounding verbs like 'verstehen' (to understand). While they share the same root, their usage is different. 'Ich verstehe dich' means 'I understand you' (a one-way cognitive process), whereas 'Wir verständigen uns' means 'We make ourselves understood to each other' (a two-way interactive process). Using 'sich verständigen' when you simply mean 'verstehen' sounds unnatural and overly complicated. Another subtle mistake is overusing the verb in very casual contexts where a simpler phrase would be more appropriate. For instance, if you just want to say you chatted with a friend, using 'Wir haben uns verständigt' sounds far too formal and stiff; 'Wir haben uns unterhalten' or 'Wir haben geredet' would be much better. 'Sich verständigen' carries a weight of overcoming a barrier or reaching a specific consensus, so it should be reserved for situations that warrant that level of meaning. Lastly, pronunciation errors can also cause issues. The stress is on the second syllable: ver-STÄN-di-gen. Misplacing the stress or mispronouncing the 'ä' as a regular 'a' can make the word difficult for native speakers to recognize immediately. By being acutely aware of these common mistakes—particularly the mandatory reflexive pronoun, the distinct meanings of the prepositions 'mit' and 'auf', the crucial difference from the non-reflexive 'verständigen', and the appropriate register—you can significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more natural and proficient when speaking German.
The German language is rich with verbs related to communication, understanding, and agreement, and distinguishing 'sich verständigen' from its synonyms is key to achieving a high level of nuance and precision in your vocabulary. One of the most common similar words is 'kommunizieren' (to communicate). While 'kommunizieren' is a direct translation of the English word and is widely used, especially in business, academic, or technical contexts, it is a broader and somewhat more sterile term. 'Kommunizieren' simply refers to the exchange of information, regardless of whether that exchange is successful or whether an agreement is reached. 'Sich verständigen', on the other hand, inherently implies a successful outcome—that the message was not only sent but also received and understood. Another closely related verb is 'sich einigen' (to agree, to reach an agreement). When 'sich verständigen' is used with the preposition 'auf' (e.g., sich auf einen Preis verständigen), it is virtually synonymous with 'sich einigen'. However, 'sich einigen' focuses exclusively on the final consensus or compromise, often after a dispute or negotiation. 'Sich verständigen' encompasses both the process of communicating and the resulting agreement. You can 'sich verständigen' in a foreign language without necessarily 'sich einigen' on a specific deal. Then there is 'sich unterhalten' (to converse, to chat). This verb is used for casual, everyday conversations where the primary goal is social interaction rather than overcoming a barrier or reaching a formal consensus. If you are having a pleasant talk with a friend over coffee, you are 'sich unterhalten'. If you are trying to explain a complex problem to a mechanic who speaks a different dialect, you are 'sich verständigen'. The verb 'besprechen' (to discuss) is also relevant. It means to talk about a specific topic in detail, often to make a decision. While you might 'besprechen' a project with your team, the ultimate goal of that discussion is to 'sich verständigen' on how to proceed. 'Verstehen' (to understand) is the cognitive foundation of 'sich verständigen', but it lacks the interactive, communicative aspect. You can 'verstehen' a book or a concept in complete isolation, but you can only 'sich verständigen' with another living being. Finally, the non-reflexive form 'verständigen' (to notify, to inform) must be clearly distinguished. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, 'jemanden verständigen' means to give someone official notice, such as notifying the police or an ambulance. It is a one-way transfer of urgent information, completely devoid of the mutual understanding implied by the reflexive 'sich verständigen'. By carefully studying these subtle differences in focus, register, and grammatical structure, you can choose the exact right word for your specific situation, thereby elevating your German from merely functional to highly expressive and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Argot

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Wir verständigen uns auf Englisch.

We communicate in English.

Reflexive pronoun 'uns' used with 'wir'.

2

Ich kann mich gut verständigen.

I can make myself understood well.

Reflexive pronoun 'mich' used with 'ich'.

3

Wie verständigen Sie sich?

How do you communicate?

Formal 'Sie' with reflexive 'sich'.

4

Wir verständigen uns mit Händen.

We communicate with our hands.

Using 'mit' to show the method of communication.

5

Er verständigt sich auf Deutsch.

He communicates in German.

Third person singular conjugation 'verständigt'.

6

Können wir uns verständigen?

Can we communicate/understand each other?

Modal verb 'können' pushes the main verb to the end.

7

Sie verständigen sich im Hotel.

They communicate in the hotel.

Plural 'sie' with reflexive 'sich'.

8

Ich verständige mich mit dir.

I communicate with you.

Using 'mit' + dative pronoun 'dir'.

1

Wir haben uns gestern gut verständigt.

We communicated well yesterday.

Perfekt tense using 'haben' and past participle 'verständigt'.

2

Trotz des Lärms konnten wir uns verständigen.

Despite the noise, we could communicate.

Using 'trotz' (despite) with genitive.

3

Ich muss mich mit dem Arzt verständigen.

I have to communicate with the doctor.

Modal verb 'müssen' with reflexive verb.

4

Sie verständigt sich oft auf Spanisch.

She often communicates in Spanish.

Adverb 'oft' placed after the reflexive pronoun.

5

Wir verständigen uns über das Internet.

We communicate via the internet.

Using 'über' to indicate the medium.

6

Hast du dich mit ihm verständigt?

Did you communicate with him?

Question in the Perfekt tense.

7

Im Urlaub verständigen wir uns auf Englisch.

On vacation, we communicate in English.

Time/place phrase 'Im Urlaub' at the beginning.

8

Es ist schwer, sich hier zu verständigen.

It is hard to communicate here.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

1

Wir müssen uns auf einen Termin verständigen.

We need to agree on an appointment.

Using 'auf' + accusative to mean 'agree on'.

2

Die Parteien haben sich auf einen Kompromiss verständigt.

The parties have agreed on a compromise.

Formal context, Perfekt tense.

3

Können wir uns darauf verständigen, dass wir morgen anfangen?

Can we agree that we start tomorrow?

Using the pronominal adverb 'darauf' to introduce a 'dass' clause.

4

Sie konnten sich nicht über den Preis verständigen.

They could not agree on the price.

Using 'über' + accusative (alternative to 'auf' for topics).

5

Es ist wichtig, dass wir uns klar verständigen.

It is important that we communicate clearly.

Subordinate 'dass' clause where the verb goes to the end.

6

Nach langer Diskussion haben wir uns verständigt.

After a long discussion, we reached an agreement.

Prepositional phrase 'Nach langer Diskussion' starting the sentence.

7

Er verständigte sich mit ihr durch Blicke.

He communicated with her through glances.

Präteritum tense, using 'durch' to show method.

8

Um sich zu verständigen, braucht man Geduld.

In order to communicate, one needs patience.

'Um... zu' clause expressing purpose.

1

Die Regierungen verständigten sich auf ein neues Abkommen.

The governments agreed on a new treaty.

Präteritum used for formal/journalistic reporting.

2

Eine nonverbale Verständigung ist oft aussagekräftiger als Worte.

Nonverbal communication is often more expressive than words.

Using the nominalized form 'die Verständigung'.

3

Wir haben uns stillschweigend darauf verständigt, das Thema zu meiden.

We tacitly agreed to avoid the topic.

Adverb 'stillschweigend' modifying the agreement.

4

Es bedarf großer Anstrengung, sich in einer fremden Kultur zu verständigen.

It requires great effort to communicate in a foreign culture.

Advanced vocabulary 'bedarf' with genitive.

5

Sie verständigten sich auf den kleinsten gemeinsamen Nenner.

They agreed on the lowest common denominator.

Idiomatic expression 'kleinster gemeinsamer Nenner'.

6

Trotz tiefgreifender Differenzen konnten sie sich verständigen.

Despite profound differences, they were able to reach an agreement.

Advanced adjective 'tiefgreifend'.

7

Die Tarifparteien haben sich nach zähem Ringen verständigt.

The collective bargaining parties reached an agreement after a tough struggle.

Journalistic phrase 'nach zähem Ringen'.

8

Er war bemüht, sich verständlich zu machen, konnte sich aber nicht verständigen.

He tried to make himself understood, but could not communicate effectively.

Contrasting 'verständlich machen' with 'sich verständigen'.

1

Die internationale Gemeinschaft muss sich auf verbindliche Klimaziele verständigen.

The international community must agree on binding climate goals.

Formal political discourse, complex noun phrases.

2

Eine interkulturelle Verständigung setzt ein hohes Maß an Empathie voraus.

Intercultural communication/understanding requires a high degree of empathy.

Abstract noun usage, verb 'voraussetzen'.

3

Sie verständigten sich darauf, die strittigen Punkte vorerst auszuklammern.

They agreed to set aside the contentious points for the time being.

Advanced infinitive clause with 'ausklammern'.

4

Der philosophische Diskurs zielt darauf ab, sich über fundamentale Wahrheiten zu verständigen.

The philosophical discourse aims to reach an understanding about fundamental truths.

Academic register, 'zielt darauf ab'.

5

Ohne eine gemeinsame semantische Basis lässt sich schwerlich verständigen.

Without a common semantic basis, it is hardly possible to communicate.

Impersonal passive construction 'lässt sich... verständigen'.

6

Die Fraktionen verständigten sich in einem informellen Hintergrundgespräch.

The parliamentary groups reached an agreement in an informal background talk.

Political jargon 'Hintergrundgespräch'.

7

Es bedurfte eines Mediators, damit die zerstrittenen Erben sich verständigen konnten.

It required a mediator so that the feuding heirs could reach an agreement.

'damit' clause expressing purpose in a complex scenario.

8

Die implizite Verständigung zwischen den Musikern war während des Konzerts spürbar.

The implicit communication between the musicians was palpable during the concert.

Advanced adjectives 'implizit' and 'spürbar'.

1

Die hermeneutische Praxis impliziert das stete Bemühen, sich über den Text hinweg zu verständigen.

Hermeneutic practice implies the constant effort to reach an understanding across the text.

Highly academic, philosophical register.

2

In der Diplomatie ist es oft die Kunst, sich auf Formulierungen zu verständigen, die allen Seiten Gesichtswahrung erlauben.

In diplomacy, it is often the art of agreeing on phrasing that allows all sides to save face.

Complex nested relative clauses, abstract concepts.

3

Die Tarifverhandlungen gerieten ins Stocken, da man sich nicht auf die Modalitäten der Gewinnbeteiligung verständigen konnte.

The collective bargaining stalled because they could not agree on the modalities of profit sharing.

Economic/legal terminology.

4

Es zeugt von rhetorischer Brillanz, wenn Kontrahenten sich auf einer Metaebene verständigen.

It is a testament to rhetorical brilliance when opponents reach an understanding on a meta-level.

Advanced vocabulary 'Metaebene', 'zeugt von'.

5

Die juristische Auslegung zielt darauf ab, den Willen des Gesetzgebers zu ergründen und sich darauf zu verständigen.

Legal interpretation aims to fathom the will of the legislator and to reach a consensus on it.

Legal register, 'ergründen'.

6

Eine rein kognitive Verständigung greift zu kurz, wenn die emotionale Resonanz fehlt.

A purely cognitive understanding falls short if the emotional resonance is missing.

Idiom 'greift zu kurz', psychological context.

7

Sie verständigten sich per Akklamation, um den langwierigen Abstimmungsprozess abzukürzen.

They agreed by acclamation to shorten the tedious voting process.

Procedural vocabulary 'per Akklamation'.

8

Die diskursive Ethik Habermas' postuliert den idealen Sprechsituationsrahmen, um sich herrschaftsfrei zu verständigen.

Habermas's discourse ethics postulates the ideal speech situation framework in order to communicate free of domination.

Deep philosophical reference, highly specialized vocabulary.

Collocations courantes

sich auf einen Kompromiss verständigen
sich mit Händen und Füßen verständigen
sich schwer verständigen können
sich friedlich verständigen
sich auf einen Preis verständigen
sich nonverbal verständigen
sich international verständigen
sich mühsam verständigen
sich schnell verständigen
sich außergerichtlich verständigen

Phrases Courantes

Können wir uns darauf verständigen?

Wir haben uns gut verständigt.

Es ist schwer, sich hier zu verständigen.

Sie verständigten sich auf einen Termin.

Lass uns darauf verständigen, dass...

Wir müssen uns verständigen.

Sich mit Blicken verständigen.

Sich auf das Wesentliche verständigen.

Sich im Guten verständigen.

Sich stillschweigend verständigen.

Souvent confondu avec

sich verständigen vs verstehen (to understand - cognitive, not necessarily interactive)

sich verständigen vs kommunizieren (to communicate - broader, doesn't imply agreement)

sich verständigen vs jemanden verständigen (to notify someone)

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

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""

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Facile à confondre

sich verständigen vs

sich verständigen vs

sich verständigen vs

sich verständigen vs

sich verständigen vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

time period

Modern and widely used.

context warning

Do not confuse 'sich verständigen' (reflexive) with 'jemanden verständigen' (non-reflexive, meaning to notify someone like the police).

regional variants

Standard across all regions.

Erreurs courantes
  • Forgetting the reflexive pronoun (saying 'Wir verständigen' instead of 'Wir verständigen uns').
  • Using the wrong preposition for the topic (saying 'verständigen über' instead of the more common 'verständigen auf' for agreements).
  • Using the dative instead of the accusative after 'auf' (saying 'auf dem Preis' instead of 'auf den Preis').
  • Confusing it with 'verstehen' and using it for one-way comprehension.
  • Pronouncing the 'ä' as a regular 'a', changing the sound of the word.

Astuces

Don't Forget the Reflexive Pronoun

Always include mich, dich, sich, uns, or euch. Without it, you are saying 'to notify', not 'to communicate'.

Use 'mit' for People

When mentioning your conversation partner, always use 'mit' + Dative. Example: 'Ich verständige mich mit ihm'.

Use 'auf' for Agreements

When you reach a consensus on a topic, use 'auf' + Accusative. Example: 'Wir verständigen uns auf den Plan'.

Stress the Second Syllable

The emphasis is on 'STÄN'. Pronounce it ver-STÄN-di-gen to sound natural and be easily understood.

Perfect for Travel Stories

Use this verb to describe how you survived in a foreign country without knowing the language perfectly.

Elevate Your Business German

In emails, use 'Wir haben uns auf [X] verständigt' instead of 'Wir haben [X] abgemacht' for a more professional tone.

Hands and Feet

Memorize the phrase 'sich mit Händen und Füßen verständigen'. It's a classic German expression every learner should know.

Pronominal Adverbs

If you want to follow the agreement with a 'dass' clause, use 'darauf'. 'Wir verständigen uns darauf, dass...'

Verstehen vs. Verständigen

'Verstehen' is what happens in your head. 'Sich verständigen' is what happens between two people.

Watch the News

Pay attention to German news broadcasts. You will hear 'sich verständigen' almost daily in political reporting.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine STANDING together (ver-STÄN-digen) until you reach an under-STANDING.

Association visuelle

Two people building a bridge of words across a river until they can shake hands in the middle.

Origine du mot

Derived from Middle High German 'verständigen', from Old High German 'firstantan' (to understand).

Contexte culturel

Universally understood across all German-speaking regions (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).

Using this verb implies you value the relationship and the successful outcome of the interaction.

In formal contexts, it means 'to agree on a contract/treaty'. In informal contexts, it means 'to manage to communicate'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Wie verständigst du dich, wenn du die Sprache im Urlaub nicht sprichst?"

"Haben sich die Politiker endlich auf ein Gesetz verständigt?"

"Ist es schwer, sich in einer lauten Bar zu verständigen?"

"Worauf habt ihr euch im Meeting verständigt?"

"Kannst du dich gut auf Englisch verständigen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich mit Händen und Füßen verständigen musstest.

Warum ist es wichtig, dass Kollegen sich gut verständigen?

Worauf hast du dich kürzlich mit einem Freund verständigt?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

'Verstehen' means to understand something cognitively, like understanding a book or a language. It is a one-way process. 'Sich verständigen' is a two-way, interactive process where two or more people actively work to make themselves understood to each other. You can 'verstehen' a radio broadcast, but you cannot 'sich verständigen' with it. 'Sich verständigen' requires a partner.

Yes, if you mean 'to communicate' or 'to agree', the reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch) is absolutely mandatory. If you drop it, the verb becomes 'verständigen', which means 'to notify' (e.g., to notify the police). Dropping the reflexive pronoun will completely change the meaning of your sentence and confuse native speakers.

You use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative case. For example, 'Ich verständige mich mit dem Lehrer' (I communicate with the teacher). This highlights the partnership in the communication process. Never use 'zu' or 'an' in this context.

You use the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative case. For example, 'Wir verständigen uns auf einen Preis' (We agree on a price). This specific usage transitions the meaning of the verb from simply communicating to reaching a formal or informal consensus.

Yes, but usually in a more scientific or observational context. For example, 'Delfine verständigen sich durch Klicklaute' (Dolphins communicate through clicking sounds). It describes their method of transferring information to one another.

It is highly versatile and can be both. 'Wir verständigen uns mit Händen und Füßen' is informal and practical. 'Die Parteien verständigen sich auf einen Vertrag' is highly formal. The level of formality depends entirely on the context and the prepositions used.

You say 'sich auf Englisch verständigen'. The preposition 'auf' is used here to denote the language medium. For example, 'Im Urlaub verständigen wir uns auf Englisch' (On vacation, we communicate in English).

The noun form is 'die Verständigung'. It can mean either the act of communicating (e.g., 'Die Verständigung war schwierig') or the agreement reached (e.g., 'Sie kamen zu einer Verständigung'). It is a very common and useful noun in formal German.

Reflexive verbs generally cannot be used in the standard passive voice. However, you can use impersonal passive constructions with 'lassen', such as 'Es lässt sich schwer verständigen' (It is hard to communicate), though this is less common than simply saying 'Es ist schwer, sich zu verständigen'.

It is an idiom that means to understand each other perfectly without needing words, often used for sports teams, musicians, or very close partners. It implies a deep, intuitive connection where verbal communication is unnecessary.

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