Meaning
Working together closely and effectively.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'enge Zusammenarbeit' is a cornerstone of the German 'Mittelstand'. It emphasizes long-term reliability over short-term profit. In Austria, 'enge Zusammenarbeit' is often used to describe the 'Sozialpartnerschaft' between unions and employers to maintain social peace. In Switzerland, 'enge Zusammenarbeit' often refers to the coordination between different linguistic cantons on national issues. German universities often use this phrase to describe 'Drittmittelprojekte' (third-party funded projects) involving industry partners.
Use 'pflegen'
Instead of 'haben' (to have), use 'pflegen' (to maintain/cultivate) with 'enge Zusammenarbeit' to sound like a native professional.
Adjective Endings
Don't forget the '-e' at the end of 'eng' when using it with 'die Zusammenarbeit'.
Meaning
Working together closely and effectively.
Use 'pflegen'
Instead of 'haben' (to have), use 'pflegen' (to maintain/cultivate) with 'enge Zusammenarbeit' to sound like a native professional.
Adjective Endings
Don't forget the '-e' at the end of 'eng' when using it with 'die Zusammenarbeit'.
Reliability
When you promise 'enge Zusammenarbeit' to a German partner, they expect frequent updates and high reliability.
Prepositions
Use 'mit' for one partner and 'zwischen' for two or more groups.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct adjective ending for 'eng'.
Wir danken Ihnen für die ______ Zusammenarbeit.
After the definite article 'die' (feminine accusative), the adjective takes the ending '-e'.
Which sentence is the most professional?
How would you describe a partnership in a business report?
'Pflegen' + 'enge Zusammenarbeit' is the standard high-register collocation.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are common verb-noun and adjective-noun pairings.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Wie haben Sie das Projekt so schnell geschafft? B: Durch die ______ mit unseren Partnern.
This is the most natural way to attribute success to a partnership.
In which situation would you NOT use 'enge Zusammenarbeit'?
Select the inappropriate context:
The phrase is too formal and professional for romantic contexts.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Working Together
Practice Bank
5 exercisesWir danken Ihnen für die ______ Zusammenarbeit.
After the definite article 'die' (feminine accusative), the adjective takes the ending '-e'.
How would you describe a partnership in a business report?
'Pflegen' + 'enge Zusammenarbeit' is the standard high-register collocation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common verb-noun and adjective-noun pairings.
A: Wie haben Sie das Projekt so schnell geschafft? B: Durch die ______ mit unseren Partnern.
This is the most natural way to attribute success to a partnership.
Select the inappropriate context:
The phrase is too formal and professional for romantic contexts.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it sounds very robotic and corporate. Use 'enge Beziehung' or 'wir sind uns sehr nah' instead.
'Zusammenarbeit' is the standard German word. 'Kooperation' sounds slightly more formal or technical.
Mostly, but it's also used in science, politics, and sports tactics.
You say 'Wir arbeiten eng zusammen.'
It's just not the idiomatic collocation. German uses 'eng' (tight) for this concept.
Technically yes ('enge Zusammenarbeiten'), but it's almost always used in the singular.
No, it usually implies a partnership of equals or at least a very integrated relationship.
Yes, it's a perfect phrase for a CV to show teamwork skills.
'Pflegen' (to maintain) or 'anstreben' (to aim for) are excellent choices.
Yes, because it requires understanding collocations and correct adjective declension.
Yes, adding 'sehr' (very) is common to emphasize the intensity.
A 'lose Zusammenarbeit' (loose collaboration) or 'mangelnde Zusammenarbeit' (lack of cooperation).
Related Phrases
Hand in Hand arbeiten
similarTo work very closely together.
Kooperation
synonymCooperation.
Teamarbeit
similarTeamwork.
Schulter an Schulter
idiomShoulder to shoulder.
Synergie
builds onSynergy.
