der / das  Kompromiss

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔmpʁoˈmɪs/

🤝 What Exactly is a Kompromiss?

A Kompromiss is an agreement reached through mutual concessions. It's a middle ground where neither side gets everything they want, but an acceptable solution is found for everyone involved.

Article Variants:

• Der Kompromiss (masculine): This is the usual and standard form in modern German. It refers to the agreement itself or the process of reaching a compromise. Example: "Nach langen Verhandlungen fanden sie endlich einen Kompromiss." (After long negotiations, they finally found a compromise.)
• Das Kompromiss (neuter): This form is rare, often considered obsolete or regional (especially Austrian). It's sometimes used to specifically refer to the resulting document or the abstract act of compromising. ⚠️ Generally, using 'das Kompromiss' is avoided or might be perceived as unusual. When in doubt, stick to 'der Kompromiss'.

📐 Grammar: Der or Das Kompromiss?

The declension depends on the chosen article. 'Der Kompromiss' is declined as a masculine noun, 'das Kompromiss' as a neuter noun.

💡 Example Sentences

• Der Kompromiss: Der gefundene Kompromiss war für beide Seiten akzeptabel. (The compromise that was found was acceptable for both sides.)
• Der Kompromiss: Er war nicht bereit, einen Kompromiss einzugehen. (He wasn't prepared to make a compromise.)
• Der Kompromiss: Wir müssen uns auf einen Kompromiss einigen. (We have to agree on a compromise.)
• Das Kompromiss (rare): Das erzielte Kompromiss wurde schriftlich festgehalten. (The achieved compromise was recorded in writing. - Emphasises the result/document here)

🗣️ How to Use Kompromiss?

Der Kompromiss is the overwhelmingly dominant form in all contexts: politics, business, everyday life, relationships. It refers to the result of negotiations where both sides yield something.

• Typical collocations: einen Kompromiss finden (find), schließen (close), eingehen (enter into), aushandeln (negotiate), erzielen (achieve); ein fauler Kompromiss (a 'rotten' or bad compromise); Kompromissbereitschaft (willingness to compromise) zeigen (show).
• Context: Mostly used in situations where different interests clash and a solution needs to be found that is not ideal but practical.

Das Kompromiss, as mentioned, is very rare. If used, it's more likely in specific, partly historical or regional (Austrian) contexts. It might subtly emphasize the act or the written result, but this isn't a strict rule and is often perceived as non-standard. Rule of thumb: Use 'der Kompromiss'.

Distinction from similar words:

• Einigung: Emphasises the resulting agreement, less the concessions made. (agreement, accord)
• Vergleich: Often in a legal context, an amicable settlement to resolve a dispute. (settlement, comparison)
• Mittelweg: Similar to Kompromiss, emphasises balance. (middle way, middle ground)

🧠 Mnemonics for Kompromiss

1. Remembering the Article (Der vs. Das):

   Think of DER negotiatOR (masculine ending hints at 'der') who makes DER Kompromiss. That's the common form. For the rare form: Think of DAS documenT (neuter hints at 'das') that records DAS Kompromiss (if referring to the document). But remember: DER is standard!

2. Remembering the Meaning:

   Think: Come propose a solution to this miss-understanding by meeting halfway - that's a Kompromiss!

↔️ Opposites and Similarities

Caution: Similar-sounding words like 'Kompromittierung' (meaning compromising someone's reputation or security) have a completely different meaning!

😂 A Little Joke

Warum ist ein Kompromiss wie ein altes Hemd?
(Why is a compromise like an old shirt?)

Weil keiner ihn wirklich wollte, aber er passt irgendwie allen ein bisschen! 😄
(Because nobody really wanted it, but it somehow fits everyone a little bit!)

📜 A Short Poem

Zwei Stimmen laut, kein Weg zu seh'n,
(Two voices loud, no path in sight,)
Der Streit will einfach nicht vergeh'n.
(The argument just holds on tight.)
Doch Klugheit flüstert leis und lind:
(But wisdom whispers, soft and low:)
"Ein Schritt zurück, geschwind, geschwind!"
("A step back now, make it so!")
Ein Händedruck, ein neuer Pakt,
(A handshake seals a pact anew,)
Der Kompromiss ist nun vollbracht.
(The compromise is seen clear through.)
Nicht Sieg, nicht Fall, doch Frieden nun,
(Not win, not loss, but peace instead,)
Gemeinsam lässt sich's besser ruh'n.
(Together resting, strife is fled.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Sieg und keine Niederlage,
(I'm not a victory and not a defeat,)
doch beende ich so manche Klage.
(but I end many a complaint.)
Man findet mich oft nach langem Ringen,
(I am often found after long struggles,)
wenn zwei Parteien Zugeständnisse bringen.
(when two parties bring concessions.)
Meist bin ich männlich, selten sächlich,
(Mostly I'm masculine, seldom neuter,)
im besten Fall für alle erträglich.
(at best, bearable for everyone.)

Was bin ich? (What am I?)

Lösung: Der Kompromiss (Solution: The compromise)

🧐 Other Info

• Etymology (Word Origin): The word comes from the Latin compromissum, meaning "mutual promise". It derives from compromittere: "to promise together" or "to submit to an arbitration".
• Word Formation: A well-known compound is Faulkompromiss (literally "rotten compromise"), describing an agreement that is reached but considered unsatisfactory, unstable, or unprincipled.
• International: The word is similar in many languages (English compromise, French compromis, Italian compromesso, Spanish compromiso), reflecting its Latin origin.