Meaning
To reach a mutual understanding or arrangement.
Cultural Background
The 'Putzplan' (cleaning schedule) in German WGs (shared flats) is a sacred 'Vereinbarung'. Breaking it is often seen as a serious breach of social trust. In Swiss business culture, 'eine Vereinbarung treffen' often involves a very long period of 'Vernehmlassung' (consultation) to ensure everyone is on board before the 'hit' happens. Austrians might use the term 'Packelei' informally for a secret or slightly shady agreement, but 'eine Vereinbarung treffen' remains the professional standard. A 'Handschlag' (handshake) can still be considered 'eine mündliche Vereinbarung treffen' in some traditional sectors, though written forms are now preferred.
Use 'über'
When you want to say what the agreement is about, always use 'über' + Accusative. It's the most natural preposition.
Avoid 'machen'
Even though 'make an agreement' is English, 'Vereinbarung machen' sounds like 'Denglish'. Stick to 'treffen'.
Meaning
To reach a mutual understanding or arrangement.
Use 'über'
When you want to say what the agreement is about, always use 'über' + Accusative. It's the most natural preposition.
Avoid 'machen'
Even though 'make an agreement' is English, 'Vereinbarung machen' sounds like 'Denglish'. Stick to 'treffen'.
Passive Voice
In business reports, use 'Es wurde eine Vereinbarung getroffen' to sound more objective and professional.
Written is King
In Germany, if you 'eine Vereinbarung treffen' in a business context, always follow up with an email saying 'Wie vereinbart...' (As agreed...).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'treffen' in the present tense.
Er _______ heute eine wichtige Vereinbarung mit seinem Chef.
The subject 'er' requires the 3rd person singular. Since 'treffen' is irregular, the 'e' changes to 'i'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and sounds most natural?
We reached an agreement about the rent.
Option B uses the correct collocation 'treffen', the correct gender 'eine', and the correct past participle 'getroffen'.
Match the adjective with the type of agreement.
Adjectives: 1. schriftlich, 2. mündlich, 3. verbindliche, 4. geheime
Schriftlich = written, mündlich = oral, verbindlich = binding, geheim = secret.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Wir streiten uns immer über den Abwasch. B: Das stimmt. Lass uns doch einfach _______________________.
This is the most natural way to suggest reaching a mutual arrangement in a domestic setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Agreement Verbs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEr _______ heute eine wichtige Vereinbarung mit seinem Chef.
The subject 'er' requires the 3rd person singular. Since 'treffen' is irregular, the 'e' changes to 'i'.
We reached an agreement about the rent.
Option B uses the correct collocation 'treffen', the correct gender 'eine', and the correct past participle 'getroffen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Schriftlich = written, mündlich = oral, verbindlich = binding, geheim = secret.
A: Wir streiten uns immer über den Abwasch. B: Das stimmt. Lass uns doch einfach _______________________.
This is the most natural way to suggest reaching a mutual arrangement in a domestic setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that sounds too formal. Use 'sich verabreden' or 'etwas ausmachen' instead.
Usually, yes. You can also 'eine Vereinbarung erzielen' (achieve) or 'eine Vereinbarung unterzeichnen' (sign).
A 'Vertrag' is a formal, legally binding contract. A 'Vereinbarung' is a broader term for any mutual arrangement, formal or informal.
Präteritum: 'ich traf'. Perfekt: 'ich habe getroffen'.
It's better to say 'Wir haben uns getroffen, um eine Vereinbarung zu treffen.'
Yes, it is standard High German used across all D-A-CH countries.
It is an oral agreement, made by speaking rather than writing.
No, for 'Kompromiss' we usually use 'schließen' (einen Kompromiss schließen).
No, you can 'mehrere Vereinbarungen treffen' (reach several agreements).
In a way, yes. You are 'meeting' the other person's requirements or 'hitting' a common point.
Yes, it is very professional and polite.
You say 'eine Vereinbarung brechen' or 'gegen eine Vereinbarung verstoßen'.
Related Phrases
sich einigen
synonymto agree with each other
einen Vertrag schließen
specialized formto conclude a contract
einen Kompromiss schließen
similarto reach a compromise
etwas vereinbaren
builds onto agree on something
eine Abmachung treffen
synonymto make a deal
