das  Friedensabkommen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfʁiːdn̩sˌʔapˌkɔmən/

📜 What does "das Friedensabkommen" mean?

The word das Friedensabkommen (noun, neuter) refers to a formal treaty or agreement between two or more conflicting parties (e.g., states, civil war factions) aimed at ending a war or armed conflict and establishing the conditions for peace.

It is a crucial instrument in international relations and international law. A Friedensabkommen typically addresses issues such as border demarcations, reparations, the status of prisoners of war, and future security guarantees.

There is only one article, das, for this word. ⚠️ Be careful not to confuse it with a simple Waffenstillstand (ceasefire), which often represents only a temporary cessation of hostilities.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar in Detail: das Friedensabkommen

"Friedensabkommen" is a neuter noun. The article is das. It is declined as follows:

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Nach langen Verhandlungen wurde endlich das Friedensabkommen unterzeichnet.
   (After long negotiations, the peace agreement was finally signed.)
2. Die Einhaltung des Friedensabkommens wird international überwacht.
   (Compliance with the peace agreement is monitored internationally.)
3. Man hofft, dass mit dem Friedensabkommen eine neue Ära beginnt.
   (It is hoped that a new era will begin with the peace agreement.)
4. Die Konfliktparteien verletzten das Friedensabkommen bereits kurz nach der Unterzeichnung.
   (The conflicting parties violated the peace agreement shortly after signing it.)
5. In der Geschichte gab es viele wichtige Friedensabkommen.
   (There have been many important peace agreements in history.)

🌐 How to use "Friedensabkommen"?

The term "Friedensabkommen" is primarily used in contexts related to politics, history, international relations, and conflict resolution.

• Politics & Diplomacy: In news reports, political discussions, and diplomatic negotiations when discussing the end of wars or conflicts. (e.g., "Die Vereinten Nationen vermitteln bei den Gesprächen für ein neues Friedensabkommen." - The United Nations is mediating the talks for a new peace agreement.)
• History: When describing historical events and treaties that ended wars. (e.g., "Das Westfälische Friedensabkommen beendete den Dreißigjährigen Krieg." - The Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years' War.)
• Law: In international law as a specific type of treaty with legally binding clauses.

Distinction from other words:

• Friedensvertrag (peace treaty): Often used synonymously, sometimes "Friedensvertrag" is considered more comprehensive and formal than "Friedensabkommen".
• Waffenstillstandsabkommen (ceasefire agreement): Only ends the fighting, not necessarily the state of war itself. A Friedensabkommen goes further, regulating the terms of peace.
• Einigung/Vereinbarung (agreement): More general terms for accords, not specific to war and peace.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Aid (das): Think of "das Dokument" (the document) or "das Papier" (the paper) on which das Abkommen (the agreement) is written. Many neuter nouns end in "-en" (like Abkommen), although this isn't a strict rule. Or: Frieden (peace) is an abstract concept, almost like "das Something" to be achieved -> das Friedensabkommen.

Meaning Aid: Imagine two conflicting parties finally "kommen zusammen" (come together) -> Abkommen to make Frieden (peace). The result is das Friedensabkommen.

🔁 Similar and Opposing Terms

💡 Caution - Misleading Words: Don't confuse with Abfindung (severance payment, financial settlement) or Übereinkommen (convention, general agreement).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der eine Diplomat den anderen: "Warum dauert es so lange, dieses Friedensabkommen zu unterschreiben?"

Antwortet der andere: "Wir können uns einfach nicht auf die Schriftart für das Kleingedruckte einigen!"

One diplomat asks the other: "Why is it taking so long to sign this peace agreement?"
The other replies: "We just can't agree on the font for the fine print!"

✍️ Poem about the Word

Wo Waffen schwiegen, Tinte floss,
Ein neues Kapitel, das entspross.
Auf Pergament, mit Siegel schwer,
Das Friedensabkommen, bitte sehr!

Where weapons fell silent, ink did flow,
A new chapter started, helping peace grow.
On parchment sealed, a weighty affair,
The peace agreement, if you please, is there!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich beende Streit und langen Krieg,
Bring' Hoffnung oft auf einen Sieg –
Den Sieg des Friedens, wohlbedacht,
Durch Unterschrift werd' ich gemacht.
Mit Klauseln voll und Paragraphen,
Um neue Regeln zu erschaffen.

Was bin ich?

I end disputes and long-drawn war,
Bring hope for victory – near or far –
The victory of peace, thought out with care,
By signatures, I come to bear.
With clauses full and paragraphs,
Creating new rules, new paths.

What am I?

Solution: das Friedensabkommen

🧩 Word Composition and Trivia

Word Composition:

The word "Friedensabkommen" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Frieden: Peace (state of calm, harmony, absence of war).
• Das Abkommen: Agreement, treaty, accord (from the verb "abkommen" = to agree upon).

The connecting 's' (Fugen-s: "Friedensabkommen") links the two parts.

Trivia:

Some of the most famous peace agreements in history include the Peace of Westphalia (1648), the Treaty of Versailles (1919), and the Camp David Accords (1978).