die  Absprache

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔapʃpʁaːxə/

🗣️ What does "die Absprache" mean?

Die Absprache (feminine noun) refers to an agreement, arrangement, understanding, or consultation, usually reached verbally between two or more people. It's about agreeing on a common course of action, a plan, or a regulation.

Examples:

• Eine klare Absprache treffen. (To make a clear arrangement.)
• Etwas nach Absprache erledigen. (To do something by arrangement/agreement.)
• Es gab eine geheime Absprache. (There was a secret agreement.)

⚠️ It often implies a less formal agreement than a written *Vertrag* (contract), but can still be binding.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Absprache

The word "Absprache" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Absprache zwischen den Kollegen war eindeutig. (The agreement between the colleagues was clear.)
2. Trotz der Absprache kam es zu Missverständnissen. (Despite the agreement, misunderstandings arose.)
3. Gemäß unserer Absprache treffen wir uns um 10 Uhr. (According to our arrangement, we'll meet at 10 o'clock.)
4. Wir müssen noch eine genaue Absprache treffen. (We still need to make a precise arrangement.)
5. Alle wichtigen Absprachen wurden schriftlich festgehalten. (All important agreements were recorded in writing.)

💬 How is "Absprache" used?

"Die Absprache" is frequently used in both professional and private contexts when coordination and agreement are involved.

• At Work (Im Beruf): Agreements about task distribution (*Aufgabenverteilung*), project plans (*Projektpläne*), deadlines (*Termine*). Example: "Wir brauchen eine klare Absprache, wer das Protokoll schreibt." (We need a clear agreement on who writes the minutes.)
• In Private Life (Privat): Arrangements concerning household chores (*Haushaltspflichten*), childcare (*Kinderbetreuung*), joint activities (*gemeinsame Unternehmungen*). Example: "Laut unserer Absprache holst du heute die Kinder ab." (According to our arrangement, you're picking up the kids today.)
• Formal vs. Informal: Can be used in both formal and informal situations. A *Vereinbarung* might sound slightly more formal, while a *Deal* (borrowed from English) is more informal.
• "Nach Absprache": A common phrase meaning "by appointment" or "by prior arrangement". Example: "Termine nur nach Absprache." (Appointments by arrangement only.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Vereinbarung: Similar, but often more formal or fixed in writing.
• Verständigung: Emphasizes mutual understanding as the basis for the agreement.
• Übereinkunft: Highlights the result of the agreement process.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Absprache"

Article Mnemonic (die): Many nouns ending in -e derived from verbs (like *absprechen*) are feminine (*die*). Think of it like: an important *sprech*ing (speaking) agreement needs a female touch - *die* Absprache.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine two people need to speak (*sprechen*) to get *ab* (away from) misunderstandings. They need an *Absprache* (agreement/arrangement) to coordinate.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Ansprache: (Address, speech) A speech given to an audience (don't confuse!).
• Aussprache: (Pronunciation) The way words or sounds are spoken.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef seine neue Sekretärin: "Haben Sie eigentlich mit meinem Sohn eine Absprache bezüglich der Arbeitszeiten getroffen?" Sie errötet: "Nein, wieso? Ist er auch so unpünktlich?"

English Translation: The boss asks his new secretary: "Have you actually made an arrangement with my son regarding working hours?" She blushes: "No, why? Is he that unpunctual too?"

📜 Poem about Absprache

German:
Zwei Köpfe, ein Gedanke klar,
durch gute Absprache wird's wahr.
Kein Missverständnis, keine Not,
man sitzt gemeinsam in einem Boot.

Ein Wort gegeben, ein Plan gemacht,
so wird die Arbeit gut vollbracht.
Die Absprache, fein und klein,
lässt Kooperation gedeihn.

English Translation:
Two heads, one thought made clear,
through good arrangement, it is here.
No misunderstanding, no distress,
sitting together, boat in progress.

A word is given, a plan is made,
so the work is well conveyed.
The agreement, subtle and small,
lets cooperation enthrall.

🧩 Riddle

German:
Ich werde meist mündlich gegeben,
helfe, Pläne zu (er)leben.
Ich bringe Ordnung, schaffe Klarheit,
vermeide Streit und Bitterkeit.
Im Team bin ich oft sehr gefragt,
was bin ich, kurz gesagt?

English Translation:
I am usually given verbally,
help plans come to life, certainly.
I bring order, create clarity,
avoid disputes and asperity.
In teams, I'm often in demand,
what am I, across the land?

Solution: Die Absprache (The agreement/arrangement)

💡 Other Information about Absprache

Word Composition:

The word "Absprache" is composed of:

• ab- (prefix, here meaning 'agreeing upon', 'settling')
• Sprache (language, speech, communication)

It derives from the verb "absprechen" (to agree on something, to arrange).