der  Verhandlungstermin

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈhandlʊŋsˌtɛʁmɪn/

🗓️ What exactly is a Verhandlungstermin?

A Verhandlungstermin (article: der) refers to a fixed point in time (date and time) when a negotiation (Verhandlung) takes place. This can apply to various types of negotiations but is particularly common in legal or business contexts.

• Legal: An appointment at court where a case is discussed or negotiated (e.g., a Gerichtstermin - court date).
• Business: An agreed-upon time for business negotiations, e.g., about contracts (Verträge), prices (Preise), or collaborations (Kooperationen).
• General: Any scheduled appointment where a formal discussion or negotiation occurs.

It's a compound noun formed from "Verhandlung" (negotiation) and "Termin" (appointment, date). Since "Termin" is masculine (der Termin), "der Verhandlungstermin" is also masculine.

🧐 Grammar: How is 'der Verhandlungstermin' declined?

The word "Verhandlungstermin" is a masculine noun. The article is "der". Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Richter legte den nächsten Verhandlungstermin auf den 15. Mai fest.
   (The judge set the next negotiation date for May 15th.)
2. Wir müssen uns gut auf den Verhandlungstermin mit dem Lieferanten vorbereiten.
   (We need to prepare well for the negotiation meeting with the supplier.)
3. Wegen Krankheit des Zeugen wurde der Verhandlungstermin verschoben.
   (Due to the witness's illness, the hearing date was postponed.)
4. Die Anwälte trafen sich vor dem eigentlichen Verhandlungstermin zu einer Vorbesprechung.
   (The lawyers met for a preliminary discussion before the actual negotiation date.)
5. Alle Beteiligten wurden über die neuen Verhandlungstermine informiert.
   (All parties involved were informed about the new negotiation dates.)

🗣️ Usage in Daily Life and Business

The term "Verhandlungstermin" is mainly used in formal contexts. Here are some typical situations:

• Justice System: In the context of court proceedings, the term is standard. It denotes the time when parties, lawyers, and judges convene to negotiate a legal dispute.
• Business: For contract negotiations, price discussions, collective bargaining, or merger talks, a fixed "Verhandlungstermin" is often agreed upon.
• Administration: Hearing or negotiation appointments can also occur in administrative procedures.

In everyday language, for less formal arrangements, one would more likely use words like "Besprechungstermin" (meeting appointment), "Treffen" (meeting), or simply "Termin" (appointment). "Verhandlungstermin" always implies a certain formality and often conflicting interests that need to be negotiated.

⚠️ Not to be confused with a simple "Besprechung" (discussion) or "Meeting", which are often less formal and don't necessarily aim for a binding agreement.

💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Termin. Since "Verhandlungstermin" ends in "-termin", it inherits the masculine article. An appointment (Termin) is often something fixed, definite – like a strong man (der!).

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine two parties handling (= verhandeln) a compromise, and they need a fixed Termin (appointment) in the calendar for it. Verhandlung + Termin = Verhandlungstermin (negotiation appointment).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Frist: A period by which something must be done, not a specific time for a meeting. A deadline.
• Deadline: Similar to Frist, often used in project management or journalism.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Anwalt seinen Mandanten: "Sind Sie sicher, dass Sie den Verhandlungstermin nicht wahrnehmen können?"
Antwortet der Mandant: "Ganz sicher, Herr Anwalt. Ich habe an dem Tag meinen Hochzeitstag – und das ist die einzige Verhandlung, bei der ich definitiv den Kürzeren ziehe!" 😉

Translation:
The lawyer asks his client: "Are you sure you can't make it to the negotiation hearing?"
The client replies: "Absolutely sure, counsel. It's my wedding anniversary that day – and that's the only negotiation where I definitely get the short end of the stick!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Verhandlungstermin

Der Kalender zeigt es an,
mit ernstem Blick, ein Datum dann.
Der Verhandlungstermin, er naht,
eine wichtige, ernste Tat.

Argumente wohl sortiert,
die Strategie wird ausprobiert.
Man hofft auf einen guten Schluss,
beim Termin, der kommen muss.

Translation:
The calendar shows it clear,
With a serious glance, a date is here.
The negotiation date draws near,
An important act, held so dear.

Arguments well sorted out,
The strategy is tried, no doubt.
One hopes for a good conclusion thus,
At the appointment that must come to us.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe Datum, habe Zeit,
bring oft Parteien weit und breit
zusammen an denselben Tisch,
mal freundlich, mal auch hitzig-frisch.
Gesetze, Zahlen, der Vertrag,
sind mein Geschäft an diesem Tag.
Mal wird gestritten, mal geeint,
bis eine Lösung ist erreicht (vielleicht!).

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have a date, I have a time,
I often bring parties from far and wide
Together to the very same table,
Sometimes friendly, sometimes heated and able.
Laws, numbers, the contract's might,
Are my business on this day and night.
Sometimes disputed, sometimes agreed,
Until a solution is achieved (perhaps!).

What am I?

Lösung/Solution: Der Verhandlungstermin (The negotiation date/appointment)

🧩 Other Information about the Word

Word Composition:

The word "Verhandlungstermin" is a compound noun (Kompositum) consisting of three parts:

• Verhandlung: Derived from the verb "verhandeln" (to negotiate, to discuss).
• -s-: A linking element (Fugen-s), often used to connect nouns in German.
• Termin: A scheduled date or appointment.

Cultural Context:

In Germany, great importance is placed on punctuality and adherence to schedules (Pünktlichkeit), especially for formal occasions like a Verhandlungstermin. Postponing or cancelling usually requires a valid reason and timely communication.