der  Gegenvorschlag

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡeːɡn̩fɔʁˌʃlaːk/

💡 What does "der Gegenvorschlag" mean?

A Gegenvorschlag is a proposal made in response to a previous proposal, deviating from it. It presents an alternative or a modification of the original offer or plan. Typically, it's used in negotiations, discussions, or during decision-making processes.

The word is composed of:

• Gegen-: A prefix meaning 'against', 'counter', or 'in exchange'.
• Vorschlag: A noun meaning 'suggestion', 'proposal', or 'plan'.

There is only one article, der, for Gegenvorschlag, as it is a masculine noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar and Declension: Der Gegenvorschlag

The noun "Gegenvorschlag" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Die Gewerkschaft lehnte das Angebot ab und machte einen Gegenvorschlag.
   (The union rejected the offer and made a counterproposal.)
2. Wir sollten seinen Gegenvorschlag sorgfältig prüfen.
   (We should carefully examine his counterproposal.)
3. Nach stundenlangen Verhandlungen einigten sie sich auf einen Kompromiss zwischen Vorschlag und Gegenvorschlag.
   (After hours of negotiations, they agreed on a compromise between the proposal and the counterproposal.)
4. Können Sie bitte die Details Ihres Gegenvorschlags erläutern?
   (Could you please explain the details of your counterproposal?)

🗣️ How to use "Gegenvorschlag"?

The term "Gegenvorschlag" is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially concerning negotiations, discussions, or planning. Here are some typical areas of application:

• Business Negotiations: In contract negotiations, price discussions, or project planning, it's common to respond to an offer with a Gegenvorschlag.
• Politics and Law: Counterproposals are often introduced in debates, legislative processes, or legal disputes.
• Everyday Decisions: Even in daily life, you can make a Gegenvorschlag, e.g., if you have a different plan for the weekend than your friends. ("Statt Kino schlage ich vor, dass wir in den Park gehen." - Instead of the cinema, I suggest we go to the park. This is essentially a counterproposal).

Important Note: A Gegenvorschlag always implies that a prior Vorschlag (proposal) exists to which it responds. It's not the same as a completely new, independent suggestion.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Vorschlag" (the proposal). A Gegenvorschlag is just another type of Vorschlag, so it stays der.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine the original Vorschlag is a suggestion you go LEFT. Your Gegenvorschlag goes AGAINST (gegen) that – suggesting you go RIGHT instead. It counters the first idea.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

Caution: Words like Widerspruch (contradiction) or Ablehnung (rejection) aren't direct antonyms, as they don't necessarily include a new proposal, but merely express refusal of the existing one.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Politiker immer einen Bleistift mit Radiergummi zu Verhandlungen mit?

Damit sie für jeden Vorschlag gleich einen Gegenvorschlag parat haben – einfach durch Wegradieren und Neuschreiben! 😉

Why do politicians always take a pencil with an eraser to negotiations?

So they have a counterproposal ready for every proposal – simply by erasing and rewriting! 😉

📜 A Poem about the Word

Ein Vorschlag kommt, klingt gut und fein,
doch passt er nicht für jedermann hinein.
Da braucht es Mut und Witz, fürwahr,
und präsentiert wird prompt und klar:
Der Gegenvorschlag, wohl bedacht,
hat neuen Schwung ins Spiel gebracht.
Man ringt, man feilscht, mal laut, mal leise,
auf der Kompromiss-Such-Reise.

A proposal comes, sounds good and fine,
But doesn't fit for everyone's design.
It takes courage and wit, indeed,
And presented promptly, clear to read:
The counterproposal, well-considered now,
Brings new momentum to the row.
They wrestle, haggle, loud or low,
On the compromise-seeking journey they go.

🧩 A Little Riddle

Ich bin die Antwort auf ein Angebot,
doch sag' nicht einfach "Ja" und bin's dann quitt.
Ich änd're, was der andre dir gebot,
und bring' oft eine eig'ne Wendung mit.
In Meetings bin ich häufig Gast,
wer bin ich, der oft besser passt?

Lösung: Der Gegenvorschlag

I am the answer to an offer made,
But don't just say "Yes" and the matter's laid.
I change what the other party bid,
And often bring my own twist instead.
In meetings, I'm a frequent guest,
Who am I, that often fits the best?

Solution: The counterproposal (der Gegenvorschlag)

✨ More on the Topic

Word Composition (Kompositum):

The word "Gegenvorschlag" is a classic example of a German compound noun (Kompositum):

• Prefix "Gegen-": Expresses opposition, exchange, or reaction (like in Gegenlicht - backlight, Gegenleistung - consideration/return service).
• Base Word "Vorschlag": Determines the grammatical gender (masculine, hence der Vorschlag) and the core meaning (a suggestion).

The grammatical gender of the last part of the compound word (the base word) determines the gender of the entire compound. Since "Vorschlag" is masculine (der Vorschlag), "Gegenvorschlag" is also masculine (der Gegenvorschlag).