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Abstimmung

A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

Abstimmung

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Abstimmung in 30 Seconds

Explanation Abstimmung in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'Abstimmung' as a simple word for 'voting' in a group. Imagine you and your friends want to go to the cinema. You ask: 'Machen wir eine Abstimmung?' (Shall we have a vote?). It is a way to decide between two or more options. You might see this word in very simple contexts like choosing a favorite color or a lunch option in a classroom. Even at this early stage, it is helpful to know that it is a 'die' word (feminine). You don't need to worry about complex coordination or technical tuning yet; just think of it as a way to make a choice together. It's a useful word because it helps you participate in group activities. For example, 'Die Abstimmung ist fertig' (The vote is finished). It is a long word, but if you break it down into 'Ab-stimm-ung', it becomes easier to pronounce. Just remember: 'Stimme' means voice, and an 'Abstimmung' is when everyone gives their voice to decide something.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'Abstimmung' in more structured ways. You will encounter it when talking about simple democratic processes or planning with others. You should know the phrase 'eine Abstimmung machen' (to do a vote) or 'an einer Abstimmung teilnehmen' (to participate in a vote). You might also see it in the context of office work, where you need to 'abstimmen' (coordinate) with a colleague. For instance, 'Ich brauche eine kurze Abstimmung mit dir' (I need a quick coordination with you). This means you want to check if you both agree on a plan. At this level, you should also be aware of the plural form 'Abstimmungen'. You might hear it in the news when they talk about a 'Volksabstimmung' (a vote by the people). It is important to distinguish it from 'Wahl' (election); remember that 'Abstimmung' is usually about a specific question (Yes or No), while 'Wahl' is about picking a person. You are beginning to see how this word helps organize social life in Germany.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Abstimmung' in professional and social settings. You will use it to describe the process of coordination in a project: 'Die Abstimmung zwischen den Abteilungen ist wichtig' (Coordination between departments is important). You will also learn more specific types of voting, such as 'geheime Abstimmung' (secret ballot) or 'offene Abstimmung' (open vote). You should be able to use the preposition 'über' correctly: 'Wir haben eine Abstimmung über das neue Thema' (We had a vote on the new topic). This level requires you to understand that 'Abstimmung' isn't just about a final result, but also about the ongoing process of reaching that result. You might use it to describe how a team works together: 'Unsere Abstimmung im Team funktioniert gut' (Our coordination in the team works well). You are also starting to see it in more abstract contexts, like the 'Abstimmung' of colors or sounds, where it means 'harmony' or 'balance'.

At the B2 level, 'Abstimmung' becomes a key term for discussing complex organizational and political structures. You will use it to describe sophisticated levels of coordination, such as 'in enger Abstimmung mit' (in close coordination with). This phrase is essential for business correspondence and formal reports. You will also understand the nuances of political 'Abstimmungen' in the Bundestag or the European Union. You should be able to discuss the outcomes of a vote using terms like 'Mehrheit' (majority) or 'Minderheit' (minority). In technical contexts, you will understand 'Abstimmung' as calibration or fine-tuning of systems. You might say, 'Die technische Abstimmung der Komponenten war kompliziert' (The technical coordination of the components was complicated). At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in both its 'voting' and 'coordination' senses, often within the same conversation. You will also recognize it in compound words like 'Abstimmungsbedarf' (need for coordination) or 'Abstimmungsverfahren' (voting procedure).

At the C1 level, you use 'Abstimmung' to express subtle nuances in communication and governance. You can discuss the philosophical and legal aspects of 'Abstimmungen', such as the legitimacy of a 'Volksabstimmung' (referendum) versus parliamentary decisions. You will use the word to describe high-level strategic alignment: 'Die strategische Abstimmung der Unternehmensziele' (The strategic alignment of company goals). You are also familiar with idiomatic and highly formal uses, such as 'einstimmige Abstimmung' (unanimous vote) or 'knappe Abstimmung' (narrow vote). You can differentiate 'Abstimmung' from similar concepts like 'Konsensfindung' (consensus-finding) or 'Akkordierung' (harmonization). Your vocabulary includes specific legal and technical terms where 'Abstimmung' plays a role, such as in the 'Abstimmung von Zuständigkeiten' (coordination of responsibilities). You understand how the word reflects the German emphasis on 'Protokoll' and 'Ordnung'. You can use the word to critique a lack of coordination: 'Es mangelt an einer klaren Abstimmung der Verantwortlichkeiten'.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'Abstimmung' in all its literal and metaphorical applications. You can use it in academic writing or high-level diplomacy to describe the intricate 'Feinabstimmung' (fine-tuning) of international treaties or complex socio-economic models. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place in the development of German democratic thought. You can use 'Abstimmung' to describe the aesthetic harmony in literature or art: 'Die perfekte Abstimmung von Form und Inhalt' (The perfect harmony of form and content). You are capable of navigating the most formal registers, using the word in legal briefs or philosophical discourses on collective will. You can also play with the word's polysemy in creative writing or sophisticated rhetoric. For you, 'Abstimmung' is not just a word for a vote; it is a conceptual tool for describing the fundamental ways in which disparate elements—be they voices, gears, or colors—are brought into a coherent and functional whole. You understand the deepest cultural implications of the word in the context of 'Mitbestimmung' (co-determination) in German labor law.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Abstimmung in 30 Seconds

Abstimmung is primarily used for voting on issues or proposals, distinct from 'Wahl' which is for electing people to a position.
The word also covers the concept of coordination and alignment, ensuring that teams or systems work together without friction.
In music and technology, it refers to tuning or calibration, such as matching the frequency of a radio or the pitch of instruments.
Grammatically, it is a feminine noun (die Abstimmung) and often takes the preposition 'über' for the subject of a vote.

The German noun Abstimmung is a multifaceted term that English speakers often find intriguing because it bridges the gap between democratic processes and logistical harmony. At its core, it refers to the act of reaching an agreement or a decision through a formal process. Whether you are in a boardroom, a parliament, or a recording studio, this word appears frequently to describe how different elements or opinions are brought into alignment. In a political context, it is most commonly translated as vote or ballot. However, in a professional or technical setting, it shifts toward coordination or fine-tuning.

The Democratic Vote: When a group of people needs to make a collective decision, they hold an Abstimmung. Unlike a 'Wahl' (which usually refers to electing a person to an office), an 'Abstimmung' typically concerns a specific factual issue, a law, or a proposal. For example, a club might have an Abstimmung about whether to raise membership fees.
Logistical Coordination: In the business world, 'Abstimmung' is the bread and butter of project management. It describes the process of ensuring that different departments or team members are on the same page. If two teams are working on the same project without talking, they lack 'Abstimmung'.
Technical Tuning: In engineering or music, the word takes on a more physical meaning. It refers to the synchronization of frequencies or the calibration of machinery to ensure optimal performance. A radio receiver requires precise Abstimmung to catch a signal clearly.

Die Abstimmung über das neue Gesetz findet morgen im Bundestag statt.

Translation: The vote on the new law will take place tomorrow in the Bundestag.

The versatility of Abstimmung stems from its root verb, abstimmen. The prefix 'ab-' combined with 'stimmen' (to voice/to be correct) implies a process of checking voices against one another until they match or a majority is found. This makes it a very active noun; it implies a process rather than just a static result. In everyday life, you might hear a friend say, 'Wir brauchen eine kurze Abstimmung,' meaning 'We need a quick check-in to make sure we're both okay with the plan.' It suggests a desire for consensus and efficiency.

Eine gute Abstimmung zwischen Marketing und Vertrieb ist entscheidend für den Erfolg.

Translation: Good coordination between marketing and sales is crucial for success.

In summary, use Abstimmung whenever you are talking about people or things coming together to form a unified decision or a synchronized state. It is a formal yet indispensable word in the German language that reflects the culture's emphasis on precision and collective agreement. From the grand stage of national referendums to the quiet calibration of a laboratory instrument, this word covers the spectrum of alignment.

Die feine Abstimmung des Orchesters dauerte mehrere Minuten.

Translation: The fine-tuning of the orchestra took several minutes.

Using Abstimmung correctly requires an understanding of the prepositions that usually accompany it. Because it is a feminine noun (die Abstimmung), you must adjust your articles and adjectives accordingly. The most common prepositional partner is über (about/on), which is used when referring to the subject of a vote. For example, 'eine Abstimmung über das Projekt' (a vote on the project). When you are talking about coordination with someone, you use mit followed by the dative case.

The Preposition 'über' (+ Accusative): When you vote on something, use 'über'. 'Wir planen eine Abstimmung über die neuen Arbeitszeiten.' Note that the object following 'über' is in the accusative case.
The Preposition 'mit' (+ Dative): When coordinating with a person or department, 'mit' is your go-to. 'Die Abstimmung mit dem Chef war erfolgreich.' Here, 'dem Chef' is in the dative case.

Nach kurzer Abstimmung im Team haben wir uns für den blauen Entwurf entschieden.

Translation: After a brief coordination within the team, we decided on the blue draft.

You will also frequently see it used in the phrase in Abstimmung mit, which translates to 'in coordination with' or 'in consultation with'. This is a very professional way to indicate that an action was not taken unilaterally. If you are writing a business email, saying 'Dieses Dokument wurde in enger Abstimmung mit der Rechtsabteilung erstellt' (This document was created in close coordination with the legal department) adds a layer of authority and thoroughness to your work.

Es gab eine geheime Abstimmung, um den neuen Vorsitzenden zu wählen.

Translation: There was a secret ballot to elect the new chairperson.

In more complex sentences, Abstimmung can be modified by adjectives that describe the nature of the vote or the quality of the coordination. Words like einstimmig (unanimous), knapp (close/narrow), or reibungslos (smooth) are common companions. For instance, 'Die Abstimmung verlief reibungslos' means the coordination went smoothly, whereas 'Die Abstimmung war knapp' means the vote was very close. Mastering these pairings will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

Die farbliche Abstimmung der Möbel in diesem Raum ist perfekt.

Translation: The color coordination of the furniture in this room is perfect.

Finally, consider the verb 'erfolgen' (to take place/to happen) which is often used with 'Abstimmung' in formal writing. Instead of just saying 'Die Abstimmung war gestern,' a more formal report would state, 'Die Abstimmung erfolgte gestern.' This elevates the register of your speech and is typical for news reports or official meeting minutes.

If you live or work in a German-speaking country, Abstimmung will become a staple of your vocabulary. It is not a word reserved for the elite or for textbooks; it is deeply embedded in the daily rhythm of social and professional life. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the workplace. Germans value consensus and clear communication, so 'Abstimmungsgespräche' (coordination meetings) are a standard part of the office routine. If a colleague asks, 'Brauchen wir dazu noch eine Abstimmung?', they are asking if the team needs to align or vote on a specific decision before proceeding.

In the Media: Turn on the news (like Tagesschau), and you will hear 'Abstimmung' used constantly in political reporting. Whether it's the European Parliament, the Bundestag, or a local city council, the word is used to describe the climax of political debates where a decision is finally made.
In Sports and Teams: Commentators often talk about the 'Abstimmung' between players. If a defender and a goalkeeper collide, the commentator might say, 'Da fehlte die Abstimmung' (There was a lack of coordination). It refers to the unspoken understanding and synchronization between teammates.

Bei der Abstimmung im Stadtrat gab es eine große Mehrheit für den Park.

Translation: In the city council vote, there was a large majority in favor of the park.

Another surprising context is in the world of aesthetics and design. If you are shopping for clothes or home decor, a salesperson might mention the 'farbliche Abstimmung' (color coordination). In this sense, 'Abstimmung' describes how well different colors or styles complement each other. It’s about harmony and the 'fitting together' of various elements. This usage highlights the German cultural appreciation for order and aesthetic balance.

Die Abstimmung der Instrumente vor dem Konzert ist sehr wichtig.

Translation: The tuning of the instruments before the concert is very important.

You might also encounter the word in technical manuals or when dealing with software. 'Abstimmung' can refer to the configuration or setup of a system so that all components work together. If your Wi-Fi router isn't working with your laptop, a technician might talk about the 'Abstimmung der Geräte'. It’s a versatile word that moves from the abstract (democracy) to the concrete (machinery) with ease. Pay attention to how often it implies a 'checking' or 'balancing' action.

Ohne eine klare Abstimmung der Termine wird das Projekt scheitern.

Translation: Without clear coordination of the deadlines, the project will fail.

While Abstimmung is a useful word, it has several 'false friends' and nuances that can trip up English speakers. The most common error is confusing it with Wahl. In English, we often use 'election' and 'vote' interchangeably, but in German, they are distinct. A 'Wahl' is an election where you choose a person or a party (e.g., 'Bundestagswahl'). An 'Abstimmung' is a vote on a specific proposal or law. If you say you are 'voting' for a candidate, you should use 'wählen', not 'abstimmen'.

Mistake: Abstimmung vs. Wahl: Incorrect: 'Die Abstimmung für den neuen Präsidenten.' Correct: 'Die Wahl des neuen Präsidenten.' Use 'Abstimmung' for 'Should we build the bridge?' and 'Wahl' for 'Who should be the mayor?'
Mistake: Abstimmung vs. Stimmung: As mentioned before, 'Stimmung' means mood or atmosphere. Saying 'Die Abstimmung auf der Party war toll' implies that everyone was voting on something at the party, which sounds very strange! You mean 'Die Stimmung war toll'.

Verwechseln Sie nicht Abstimmung (Voting) mit Zustimmung (Approval).

Translation: Do not confuse 'Abstimmung' (Voting) with 'Zustimmung' (Approval).

Another common pitfall is the use of prepositions. English speakers often want to say 'Abstimmung *für*' or 'Abstimmung *gegen*'. While you can say 'Stimme für/gegen' (a voice/vote for/against), the noun 'Abstimmung' itself is usually 'über' (about). If you want to say 'a vote for the proposal', you would say 'eine Abstimmung über den Vorschlag' and then specify that the result was positive. Using the wrong preposition can make the sentence feel 'clunky' to a native speaker.

Die Abstimmung erfolgt durch Handzeichen.

Translation: The vote is conducted by a show of hands.

Lastly, be careful with the plural. While 'Abstimmungen' exists, it is often used for a series of votes. If you are talking about the general process of coordination within a company, you usually use the singular 'die Abstimmung' as an uncountable concept, similar to 'communication'. Saying 'Wir brauchen viele Abstimmungen' sounds like you are holding many separate voting sessions, rather than just needing better overall coordination.

Es gab Probleme bei der technischen Abstimmung der Systeme.

Translation: There were problems with the technical coordination of the systems.

To truly master Abstimmung, it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. German has a rich vocabulary for decision-making and alignment, and choosing the right word depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. Below are some of the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'Abstimmung'.

Wahl (Election): As discussed, a 'Wahl' is for choosing people or parties. 'Abstimmung' is for choosing options or deciding on issues. You 'elect' (wählen) a president, but you 'vote' (abstimmen) on a budget.
Votum (Votum/Vote): 'Votum' is a more formal, often academic or high-political term. It refers to a single person's vote or a formal expression of opinion. You might hear about a 'Misstrauensvotum' (vote of no confidence).
Koordination (Coordination): While 'Abstimmung' often implies a process of talking and agreeing, 'Koordination' is more about the structural organization of tasks. It is more clinical and less about the 'voices' involved.
Einigung (Agreement/Settlement): 'Einigung' is the result of an 'Abstimmung'. If the coordination or vote is successful, you reach an 'Einigung'. It focuses on the end state of being unified.

Die Abstimmung war erfolgreich, wir haben eine Einigung erzielt.

Translation: The vote was successful; we have reached an agreement.

In a technical or musical sense, you might use Einstellung (setting) or Justierung (adjustment). While 'Abstimmung' implies finding a harmony between parts, 'Einstellung' is simply the act of putting a value into a machine. 'Justierung' is very precise calibration. If you are 'tuning' a guitar, you are performing an 'Abstimmung' of the strings to each other, but you are 'adjusting' (justieren) the individual pegs.

Das Votum der Experten war eindeutig gegen den Plan.

Translation: The vote of the experts was clearly against the plan.

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the subtleties of German social and professional life. Whether you're discussing a 'Volksabstimmung' (referendum) or the 'Abstimmung der Farben' (coordination of colors), you now have the tools to choose the perfect word for the occasion. Remember that 'Abstimmung' is always about the 'Stimmen' (voices) coming together.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Abstimmung über die Neuregelung der Arbeitszeit wurde vertagt."

Neutral

"Wir machen eine kurze Abstimmung über das Reiseziel."

Informal

"Kurze Abstimmung: Wer will Pizza?"

Child friendly

"Wir machen eine Abstimmung: Wer möchte heute auf den Spielplatz?"

Slang

"Die Abstimmung war voll der Fail."

Fun Fact

The word 'Stimme' (voice) is the root for both 'mood' (Stimmung) and 'voting' (Abstimmung). This reflects a deep linguistic connection between how one feels and how one expresses their will.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈapstɪmʊŋ/

US /ˈɑpstɪmʊŋ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: AB-stimmung.

Rhymes With

Bestimmung (determination) Zustimmung (approval) Umstimmung (change of mind) Krümmung (curvature) Hemmung (inhibition) Dämmung (insulation) Verschlimmung (worsening) Beistimmung (agreement)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'st' as 'st' instead of 'sht'.
Pronouncing the 'g' at the end too hard (it should be a soft nasal 'ng').
Stress on the second or third syllable.
Mixing it up with 'Abstammung' (descent/ancestry).
Neglecting the short 'i' in the middle syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but has a clear structure. Context usually makes the meaning clear.

Writing 4/5

Spelling 'st' and 'ung' correctly is easy, but using the correct prepositions (über/mit) takes practice.

Speaking 4/5

The 'sht' sound and the nasal 'ung' require some effort for beginners.

Listening 3/5

It is a very common word in news and offices, making it easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Stimme (voice) stimmen (to be correct/to vote) wählen (to elect/choose) über (about/on) mit (with)

Learn Next

Zustimmung (approval) Entscheidung (decision) Mehrheit (majority) Minderheit (minority) Vorschlag (proposal)

Advanced

Akkordierung (harmonization) Konsensfindung (consensus finding) Plebiszit (plebiscite) Justierung (adjustment) Interessenabwägung (balancing of interests)

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine.

Die Abstimmung, die Bestimmung, die Übung.

The preposition 'über' takes the accusative case when it means 'about' or 'on a topic'.

Wir sprechen über die Abstimmung (Accusative).

The preposition 'mit' always takes the dative case.

In Abstimmung mit dem Chef (Dative).

Separable verbs like 'abstimmen' move the prefix to the end in simple main clauses.

Wir stimmen heute über den Plan ab.

Compound nouns take the gender of the last word.

Die Volksabstimmung (because 'Abstimmung' is feminine).

Examples by Level

Wir machen eine Abstimmung.

We are having a vote.

Simple present tense. 'eine' is the feminine accusative article.

Die Abstimmung ist heute.

The vote is today.

'Die' is the feminine nominative article.

Wer gewinnt die Abstimmung?

Who is winning the vote?

'Wer' is the interrogative pronoun for people.

Ist die Abstimmung fertig?

Is the vote finished?

Question structure: Verb first.

Ich brauche eine Abstimmung.

I need a vote (a decision).

The verb 'brauchen' takes the accusative case.

Die Abstimmung war gut.

The vote was good.

Simple past of 'sein' (war).

Machen wir eine kurze Abstimmung?

Shall we have a quick vote?

Adjective 'kurze' follows the feminine noun.

Das ist unsere Abstimmung.

That is our vote.

Possessive pronoun 'unsere' for feminine nouns.

Die Abstimmung über das Essen war knapp.

The vote on the food was close.

Preposition 'über' + Accusative (das Essen).

Wir brauchen eine Abstimmung mit dem Team.

We need coordination with the team.

Preposition 'mit' + Dative (dem Team).

Die Abstimmung beginnt um zehn Uhr.

The vote begins at ten o'clock.

Preposition 'um' for time.

Es gibt eine Abstimmung im Verein.

There is a vote in the club.

'Es gibt' + Accusative.

Die Ergebnisse der Abstimmung sind da.

The results of the vote are here.

Genitive case: 'der Abstimmung'.

Wir machen eine geheime Abstimmung.

We are having a secret ballot.

Adjective 'geheime' (secret).

Die Abstimmung im Kurs war eindeutig.

The vote in the course was clear.

Adjective 'eindeutig' (clear/unambiguous).

Müssen wir eine Abstimmung machen?

Do we have to have a vote?

Modal verb 'müssen' at the start of the question.

In enger Abstimmung mit der Chefin planen wir das Fest.

In close coordination with the boss, we are planning the party.

Dative feminine: 'der Chefin' after 'mit'.

Die Abstimmung über das Gesetz dauert lange.

The vote on the law is taking a long time.

Noun 'Gesetz' is neuter.

Die farbliche Abstimmung der Kleidung ist wichtig.

The color coordination of the clothes is important.

Compound adjective 'farblich' (color-related).

Wir haben die Abstimmung heute Morgen durchgeführt.

We carried out the vote this morning.

Perfect tense with 'haben' and 'durchgeführt'.

Es mangelt an Abstimmung zwischen den Abteilungen.

There is a lack of coordination between the departments.

Verb 'mangeln' + 'an' + Dative.

Die Abstimmung war ein großer Erfolg für uns.

The vote was a great success for us.

Predicate noun 'Erfolg' in the nominative.

Können wir die Abstimmung verschieben?

Can we postpone the vote?

Modal verb 'können' with infinitive 'verschieben'.

Die Abstimmung erfolgte per Akklamation.

The vote took place by acclamation.

Formal verb 'erfolgen' (to take place).

Die Abstimmung der Prozesse ist für die Effizienz entscheidend.

The coordination of the processes is crucial for efficiency.

Genitive plural: 'der Prozesse'.

Nach einer kurzen Abstimmung konnten wir weitermachen.

After a short coordination, we were able to continue.

Preposition 'nach' + Dative.

Die Volksabstimmung ergab ein deutliches Nein.

The referendum resulted in a clear 'No'.

Compound noun: 'Volks' + 'Abstimmung'.

Es bedarf einer besseren Abstimmung der Verantwortlichkeiten.

There is a need for better coordination of responsibilities.

Verb 'bedürfen' takes the genitive case.

Die Abstimmung verlief ohne nennenswerte Zwischenfälle.

The vote proceeded without any noteworthy incidents.

Adjective 'nennenswerte' (noteworthy).

In Abstimmung mit unseren Partnern haben wir den Vertrag geändert.

In coordination with our partners, we changed the contract.

Dative plural: 'unseren Partnern'.

Die technische Abstimmung der Motoren ist sehr präzise.

The technical tuning of the engines is very precise.

Adjective 'technische' modifying the noun.

Die Abstimmung wurde wegen Formfehlern annulliert.

The vote was annulled due to formal errors.

Passive voice: 'wurde' + 'annulliert'.

Die Abstimmung der politischen Strategien erfordert diplomatisches Geschick.

The coordination of political strategies requires diplomatic skill.

Verb 'erfordern' (to require).

Eine mangelhafte Abstimmung kann zu massiven Verzögerungen führen.

Poor coordination can lead to massive delays.

Adjective 'mangelhafte' (deficient/poor).

Das Gesetz wurde nach einer hitzigen Abstimmung verabschiedet.

The law was passed after a heated vote.

Preposition 'nach' + Dative.

Die Abstimmung der Interessen ist ein komplexer Prozess.

The balancing of interests is a complex process.

Genitive plural: 'der Interessen'.

Es gab eine einstimmige Abstimmung für den neuen Kurs.

There was a unanimous vote for the new course.

Adjective 'einstimmige' (unanimous).

Die Abstimmung der Instrumente ist die Voraussetzung für einen guten Klang.

The tuning of the instruments is the prerequisite for a good sound.

Noun 'Voraussetzung' (prerequisite).

Die Abstimmung erfolgte unter Ausschluss der Öffentlichkeit.

The vote took place behind closed doors (excluding the public).

Prepositional phrase 'unter Ausschluss der Öffentlichkeit'.

Wir müssen die Abstimmung der Marketingkanäle optimieren.

We need to optimize the coordination of marketing channels.

Verb 'optimieren' (to optimize).

Die subtile Abstimmung von Licht und Schatten erzeugt eine besondere Atmosphäre.

The subtle coordination of light and shadow creates a special atmosphere.

Noun 'Atmosphäre' (atmosphere).

Das Votum war das Ergebnis einer langwierigen Abstimmung der Standpunkte.

The vote was the result of a lengthy alignment of viewpoints.

Adjective 'langwierigen' (lengthy/tedious).

Die Abstimmung der globalen Lieferketten ist eine Herkulesaufgabe.

The coordination of global supply chains is a Herculean task.

Metaphorical noun 'Herkulesaufgabe'.

Es bedarf einer präzisen Abstimmung zwischen Theorie und Praxis.

There is a need for precise alignment between theory and practice.

Genitive with 'bedürfen'.

Die Abstimmung der verschiedenen Rechtsordnungen ist ein Desiderat der Forschung.

The coordination of different legal systems is a research desideratum (something desired).

Academic term 'Desiderat'.

Eine fehlerhafte Abstimmung der Parameter führte zum Systemabsturz.

An incorrect tuning of parameters led to the system crash.

Noun 'Systemabsturz' (system crash).

Die Abstimmung innerhalb der Koalition erwies sich als schwierig.

The coordination within the coalition proved to be difficult.

Reflexive verb 'sich erweisen als'.

Die Abstimmung über die Resolution wurde auf unbestimmte Zeit vertagt.

The vote on the resolution was adjourned indefinitely.

Passive voice with 'wurde' + 'vertagt'.

Common Collocations

geheime Abstimmung

enge Abstimmung

einstimmige Abstimmung

technische Abstimmung

farbliche Abstimmung

kurze Abstimmung

öffentliche Abstimmung

mangelnde Abstimmung

Abstimmung per Handzeichen

Abstimmung über den Haushalt

Common Phrases

In Abstimmung mit jemandem

— Doing something after consulting or coordinating with another person.

Ich habe das in Abstimmung mit meinem Chef entschieden.

Zur Abstimmung stellen

— To put a proposal forward so that people can vote on it.

Der Vorsitzende stellt den Antrag zur Abstimmung.

Eine Abstimmung durchführen

— To carry out or conduct a voting process.

Wir müssen heute noch die Abstimmung durchführen.

An einer Abstimmung teilnehmen

— To take part in a vote.

Jedes Mitglied darf an der Abstimmung teilnehmen.

Das Ergebnis der Abstimmung

— The final outcome or result of the vote.

Das Ergebnis der Abstimmung war sehr knapp.

Bedarf an Abstimmung

— The need for more coordination or discussion.

Hier gibt es noch erheblichen Bedarf an Abstimmung.

Gegenstand der Abstimmung

— The specific topic or item being voted on.

Was genau ist der Gegenstand der Abstimmung?

Reibungslose Abstimmung

— Coordination that happens without any problems or conflicts.

Die reibungslose Abstimmung im Team war vorbildlich.

Abstimmung der Termine

— The act of coordinating schedules or dates.

Die Abstimmung der Termine ist oft schwierig.

Abstimmung der Interessen

— The process of balancing different interests to reach an agreement.

Es geht um die Abstimmung der verschiedenen Interessen.

Often Confused With

Abstimmung vs Wahl

A 'Wahl' is an election of people; an 'Abstimmung' is a vote on an issue.

Abstimmung vs Stimmung

Stimmung means mood or atmosphere, not a vote or coordination.

Abstimmung vs Zustimmung

Zustimmung means approval or agreement, whereas Abstimmung is the process of deciding.

Idioms & Expressions

"In enger Abstimmung stehen"

— To be in constant and detailed communication with someone about a task.

Wir stehen in enger Abstimmung mit den Behörden.

Professional

"Die Abstimmung verlieren"

— To have one's proposal rejected in a vote.

Die Opposition hat die Abstimmung verloren.

Neutral

"Sich einer Abstimmung enthalten"

— To choose not to vote for or against a proposal (to abstain).

Zwei Abgeordnete enthielten sich der Abstimmung.

Formal

"In feiner Abstimmung"

— With very careful and precise calibration or coordination.

Die Farben sind in feiner Abstimmung gewählt.

Aesthetic/Refined

"Abstimmung mit den Füßen"

— To show your opinion by leaving or not participating (voting with your feet).

Viele Kunden wanderten ab – eine Abstimmung mit den Füßen.

Journalistic

"Keine Abstimmung haben"

— To be completely uncoordinated or out of sync.

Die Abwehr hatte heute gar keine Abstimmung.

Sports/Informal

"Eine Abstimmung erzwingen"

— To force a vote to happen, often against the will of others.

Die Rebellen wollten eine Abstimmung erzwingen.

Political

"Die Abstimmung gewinnen"

— To have one's proposal or candidate succeed in a vote.

Sie haben die Abstimmung mit großer Mehrheit gewonnen.

Neutral

"Nach Abstimmung"

— After having consulted and agreed with the relevant parties.

Die Veröffentlichung erfolgt nach Abstimmung mit dem Autor.

Formal

"Zur Abstimmung aufrufen"

— To invite or tell people that it is now time to vote.

Der Versammlungsleiter ruft zur Abstimmung auf.

Formal

Easily Confused

Abstimmung vs Abstammung

They sound very similar (Abstimmung vs. Abstammung).

Abstammung refers to ancestry or descent, while Abstimmung refers to voting or coordination.

Seine Abstammung ist italienisch. Die Abstimmung war heute.

Abstimmung vs Bestimmung

Both end in '-stimmung'.

Bestimmung means destiny, purpose, or a specific regulation.

Das ist meine Bestimmung. Wir brauchen eine Abstimmung.

Abstimmung vs Umstimmung

Related root.

Umstimmung is the act of changing someone's mind or mood.

Die Umstimmung des Vaters war schwierig.

Abstimmung vs Anstimmung

Rare word, same root.

Anstimmung refers to the act of starting to sing or play a tune.

Die Anstimmung der Nationalhymne begann.

Abstimmung vs Ausstimmung

Sounds plausible.

This word does not exist in standard German. You likely mean 'Abstimmung'.

N/A

Sentence Patterns

Wir machen eine Abstimmung.

Wir machen eine Abstimmung über das Spiel.

Ich brauche eine Abstimmung mit [Dative].

Ich brauche eine Abstimmung mit meinen Kollegen.

Die Abstimmung über [Accusative] war [Adjective].

Die Abstimmung über den Termin war erfolgreich.

In Abstimmung mit [Dative] haben wir [Action].

In Abstimmung mit der Leitung haben wir den Plan geändert.

Es mangelt an einer klaren Abstimmung der [Genitive].

Es mangelt an einer klaren Abstimmung der Verantwortlichkeiten.

Die [Adjective] Abstimmung von [Dative] und [Dative] ist [Adjective].

Die subtile Abstimmung von Form und Farbe ist beeindruckend.

Das Ergebnis der Abstimmung ist [Adjective].

Das Ergebnis der Abstimmung ist eindeutig.

Wann ist die Abstimmung?

Wann ist die Abstimmung im Kurs?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both professional and political contexts.

Common Mistakes

Die Abstimmung für den Präsidenten. → Die Wahl des Präsidenten.
You use 'Wahl' for electing people, not 'Abstimmung'.
Die Stimmung über das Gesetz. → Die Abstimmung über das Gesetz.
Stimmung means mood. Abstimmung means vote.
In Abstimmung zu dem Chef. → In Abstimmung mit dem Chef.
The correct preposition for coordination with someone is 'mit' (+ Dative).
Wir machen ein Abstimmung. → Wir machen eine Abstimmung.
Abstimmung is feminine, so it requires 'eine', not 'ein'.
Die Abstimmung von der Frequenz. → Die Abstimmung der Frequenz.
Using the genitive 'der' is more natural than 'von der' in technical contexts.

Tips

The '-ung' Rule

Always remember that nouns ending in '-ung' are feminine. This will help you automatically know the gender of hundreds of German words, including 'Abstimmung'.

Vote vs. Elect

Keep 'Abstimmung' for issues and 'Wahl' for people. This distinction is crucial for sounding like a natural speaker, especially in political discussions.

Business Emails

Use the phrase 'in Abstimmung mit' to sound professional. it shows you are collaborative. 'Dieses Projekt entstand in Abstimmung mit der Marketingabteilung' is a great sentence.

The 'ST' Sound

When you see 'st' at the beginning of a syllable in German, like in 'Ab-stimm-ung', always pronounce it as 'sht'. Practice saying 'shtim-mung' to get it right.

Voice Connection

Link 'Abstimmung' to 'Stimme' (voice). An 'Abstimmung' is simply a collection of voices brought together to make a decision.

Swiss Context

If you are in Switzerland, you will see this word on posters everywhere. It's a key part of their weekly life due to their frequent referendums.

Compound Power

German loves compound words. Try using 'Abstimmungsbedarf' if you want to say 'there is a need for coordination'. It sounds much more 'German' than using a long sentence.

News Keywords

In the news, 'Abstimmung' is often followed by 'über'. Listen for this pattern to quickly identify what the government is voting on.

Group Decisions

In a group of friends, use 'Wollen wir abstimmen?' to be polite and inclusive when deciding where to eat or what movie to watch.

Tuning

If you play an instrument, remember 'Abstimmung' when tuning with others. It's about finding that perfect shared pitch.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ab-STIMM-ung'. You are using your 'STIMME' (voice) to 'AB-solutely' decide something with others.

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people in a circle, all holding tuning forks (Stimmgabeln). They are all trying to hit the same note—that is 'Abstimmung'.

Word Web

Stimme (Voice) Wahl (Election) Demokratie (Democracy) Teamarbeit (Teamwork) Harmonie (Harmony) Entscheidung (Decision) Koordination (Coordination) Protokoll (Minutes/Protocol)

Challenge

Try to use 'Abstimmung' in three different ways today: once for a decision with friends, once for coordination at work, and once for a color or sound you like.

Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'abstimmen'. It combines the prefix 'ab-' (off/away/finality) with 'stimmen' (to sound/to be right/to vote).

Original meaning: The original sense was related to the 'voice' (Stimme). To 'abstimmen' meant to give one's voice to a specific side or to make voices sound together.

Germanic (Indo-European). Related to English 'voice' via the Latin root 'vox', though 'Stimme' is the Germanic counterpart.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'Abstimmungen' in a historical context in Germany, as the term was sometimes misused in plebiscites during the 20th century. In modern usage, however, it is a strictly neutral and positive democratic term.

English speakers often use 'vote' for everything. Remember that 'Abstimmung' is more specific than 'Wahl'. Use 'Abstimmung' for 'Should we do X?' and 'Wahl' for 'Should person A or B lead?'.

The 'Volksabstimmungen' in Switzerland are world-famous examples of direct democracy. The 'Abstimmung' in the German Bundestag is a key part of every news cycle. In music, the 'Abstimmung' of the Berlin Philharmonic is considered a standard of perfection.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Politics

Volksabstimmung durchführen
Ergebnis der Abstimmung
Abstimmung im Parlament
Geheime Abstimmung

Business/Office

In enger Abstimmung mit
Bedarf an Abstimmung
Kurze Abstimmung machen
Terminabstimmung

Music/Art

Abstimmung der Instrumente
Farbliche Abstimmung
Feinabstimmung des Klangs
Harmonische Abstimmung

Technology

Technische Abstimmung
Abstimmung der Frequenzen
Systemabstimmung
Fehlerhafte Abstimmung

Sports

Fehlende Abstimmung in der Abwehr
Gute Abstimmung zwischen den Spielern
Abstimmung der Laufwege
Taktische Abstimmung

Conversation Starters

"Sollen wir eine kurze Abstimmung über das Restaurant für heute Abend machen?"

"Wie war die Abstimmung in deinem Team bezüglich des neuen Projekts?"

"Glaubst du, eine Volksabstimmung zu diesem Thema wäre in deinem Land sinnvoll?"

"Wie wichtig ist dir die farbliche Abstimmung deiner Kleidung am Morgen?"

"Gab es bei der letzten Abstimmung im Verein irgendwelche Überraschungen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der eine schlechte Abstimmung zu einem Problem geführt hat. Was hättest du anders gemacht?

Denkst du, dass Abstimmungen immer der beste Weg sind, um Entscheidungen in einer Gruppe zu treffen? Warum oder warum nicht?

Wie koordinierst (abstimmst) du deine täglichen Aufgaben mit deinen persönlichen Zielen? Schreibe über deinen Prozess.

Reflektiere über eine wichtige Abstimmung in deinem Leben oder in deinem Land. Welche Auswirkungen hatte das Ergebnis?

Stell dir vor, du müsstest die Abstimmung für ein großes Event organisieren. Welche Schritte wären notwendig?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Wahl' is used when you elect a person or a political party (e.g., electing a president). 'Abstimmung' is used when you vote on a specific question, law, or proposal (e.g., 'Should we increase taxes?'). Think of 'Wahl' as choosing a candidate and 'Abstimmung' as choosing an option.

Yes, absolutely! It can mean 'tuning' or 'calibration'. For example, 'die Abstimmung des Radios' (tuning the radio) or 'die technische Abstimmung der Motoren' (the technical synchronization of the engines). It implies making parts work together perfectly.

The most natural way is 'in Abstimmung mit' followed by the dative case. For example: 'In Abstimmung mit meinem Team' (In coordination with my team). It is very common in professional emails.

Yes, all German nouns ending in the suffix '-ung' are feminine. Therefore, it is always 'die Abstimmung', and you use feminine articles and adjective endings with it.

'Einstimmig' means 'unanimous'. If an 'Abstimmung' is 'einstimmig', it means every single person voted the same way. It literally means 'one-voiced'.

Yes, you can use 'farbliche Abstimmung' to describe how well colors go together in an outfit or a room. It refers to the harmony and balance of the colors.

A 'Volksabstimmung' is a referendum or a plebiscite where the entire voting population of a country or region decides on a specific issue, rather than just the parliament.

Yes, commentators often talk about the 'Abstimmung' between players, especially in defense. If players don't communicate well and make a mistake, they say 'die Abstimmung hat nicht gepasst' (the coordination wasn't right).

The plural is 'die Abstimmungen'. You would use this if there are multiple separate voting sessions or different types of coordination happening.

No, that is a common mistake. 'Mood' or 'atmosphere' is 'Stimmung'. 'Abstimmung' always involves a process of voting, coordinating, or tuning. They share the same root but have different meanings.