die  Agenda

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/aˈɡɛnda/

📜 What Exactly is an Agenda?

The German word die Agenda (feminine) primarily refers to two things:

1. An agenda for a meeting: This is a list of topics or points to be discussed in a meeting, conference, or session. It structures the proceedings and ensures all important points are covered. Example: Die Agenda für das Meeting wurde per E-Mail verschickt. (The agenda for the meeting was sent via email.)
2. A (often personal or hidden) plan or program: This refers to the goals or intentions of a person, group, or organization, which are not always openly communicated. This is often referred to as a "politische Agenda" (political agenda) or a "versteckte Agenda" (hidden agenda). Example: Kritiker warfen der Regierung eine versteckte Agenda vor. (Critics accused the government of having a hidden agenda.)

⚠️ Although it originates from Latin ('agendum' - what is to be done), in German it is always used with the article "die".

🧭 Grammar Compass: Die Agenda

Die Agenda is a feminine noun. Its declension follows the regular pattern for feminine nouns ending in -a.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural is die Agenden (less common: die Agendas).

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der erste Punkt auf der Agenda ist die Budgetplanung.
   (The first item on the agenda is budget planning.)
2. Die Genehmigung der Agenda erfolgte einstimmig.
   (The approval of the agenda was unanimous.)
3. Wir folgen der Agenda Punkt für Punkt.
   (We are following the agenda item by item.)
4. Bitte schickt mir die Agenda für morgen.
   (Please send me the agenda for tomorrow.)
5. Die politischen Agenden der Parteien unterscheiden sich stark.
   (The political agendas of the parties differ greatly.)

✅ Everyday Usage: When Do You Need 'die Agenda'?

Die Agenda is a versatile word used in various contexts:

• At work and in meetings: Here, Agenda is synonymous with Tagesordnung (order of the day, agenda). It lists the points to be discussed (TOPs - Tagesordnungspunkte). Example: "Steht das Thema XY auf der Agenda?" (Is topic XY on the agenda?)
• In politics: We speak of the politische Agenda of a government or party, meaning their goals and plans. Example: "Soziale Gerechtigkeit steht ganz oben auf unserer Agenda." (Social justice is at the top of our agenda.)
• Figuratively: A versteckte Agenda ("hidden agenda") refers to unacknowledged motives or goals. Example: "Ich glaube, er verfolgt seine eigene Agenda." (I think he's pursuing his own agenda.)
• Personal planning: It is less commonly used for a personal diary or schedule; Terminkalender (schedule/diary) or Zeitplan (timetable) are more common here.

Distinction: While Tagesordnung sounds very formal and is specific to meetings, Agenda can be used more broadly for plans and programs.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Many German words borrowed from Latin ending in -a are feminine (die). Think of Opera, Villa, Agenda – they all take die!

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine secret agents working through their list of tasks - their agenda - point by point, planning what needs to be done (from Latin 'agendum' - things to be done).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion: 🚨 Be careful not to confuse die Agenda with die Agentur (agency, e.g., advertising agency)!

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum nehmen Skelette nicht an Meetings teil?
Sie haben keinen Körper, um die Agenda abzuarbeiten!

English: Why don't skeletons attend meetings?
They have no body to work through the agenda!

✍️ Poem about the Agenda

German:
Die Agenda, klar und schlicht,
gibt der Sitzung ein Gesicht.
Punkt für Punkt wird abgehakt,
was vorher wurde angesagt.
Mal ist sie kurz, mal ist sie lang,
manchmal birgt sie 'nen Hintersinn im Klang.
Doch ohne sie, das ist doch klar,
wär' die Besprechung sonderbar.

English Translation:
The agenda, clear and plain,
gives the meeting form again.
Point by point is ticked off right,
what was announced with prior sight.
Sometimes short, sometimes it's long,
sometimes hides a motive strong.
But without it, it's quite clear,
the meeting would be truly queer.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich bin eine Liste, doch kein Wunschzettel klein.
Ich ordne Gespräche, bring Struktur hinein.
In Meetings und Politik bin ich oft präsent,
manchmal auch versteckt, nicht gleich jedem bekannt.

Was bin ich?
Lösung: die Agenda

English Translation:
I am a list, but not a small wish list.
I structure discussions, bring order into the midst.
In meetings and politics, I am often present,
sometimes hidden, not known to all in an instant.

What am I?
Answer: the agenda (die Agenda)

🌐 Origin and Other Info

Die Agenda comes from the Latin word agendum (gerundive of agere = to act, do, drive), meaning "that which must be done" or "the things to be done". So, it was originally a plural word in Latin but was adopted into German as a feminine singular noun.

Interestingly, in English, "agenda" is often used as a singular noun, while the original Latin plural "agendums" is rare. In German, the common plural is "Agenden".