die  Tagesordnung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtaːɡəsˌʔɔʁdnʊŋ/

📋 What exactly is a Tagesordnung?

The German word die Tagesordnung refers to an agenda or schedule, specifically a list of topics or items to be discussed or dealt with in a particular order during a meeting, conference, or assembly. It provides structure and organization to the proceedings.

Think of it like a roadmap for a meeting – everyone knows what's coming up and when.

• Main meaning: Plan or list of items for discussion at a gathering.

⚠️ There are no other meanings with different articles for "Tagesordnung". It is always feminine (using the article 'die').

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Corner: Die Tagesordnung

The word "Tagesordnung" is a feminine noun. The article is always "die".

Example Sentences

1. Der erste Punkt auf der Tagesordnung ist die Budgetplanung.
   (The first item on the agenda is budget planning.)
2. Können wir diesen Punkt zur Tagesordnung hinzufügen?
   (Can we add this item to the agenda?)
3. Der Vorsitzende folgte streng der Tagesordnung.
   (The chairman strictly followed the agenda.)
4. Wir müssen zur Tagesordnung übergehen.
   (We must move on / get back to the agenda/business. - a fixed expression)

🗓️ When to Use "die Tagesordnung"?

"Die Tagesordnung" is a key term in both formal and informal meetings, sessions, and assemblies of all kinds. Here are typical contexts:

• Professional Meetings: Most structured meetings at work usually have a Tagesordnung.
• Political Sessions: In parliaments, committees, or local councils, the Tagesordnung is essential.
• Club/Association Meetings: Associations also use Tagesordnungen to organize their member meetings.
• Conferences & Conventions: Here, the Tagesordnung (often also called "Programm") structures the schedule over hours or days.

Important Phrases:

• etwas auf die Tagesordnung setzen: to put something on the agenda.
• von der Tagesordnung absetzen: to remove something from the agenda.
• zur Tagesordnung übergehen: to move on to the next item or return to the main topic after a digression. Often used figuratively: to get back to business as usual / return to normal.
• Punkt X der Tagesordnung: item X on the agenda. Often abbreviated as "TOP" (Tagesordnungspunkt).
• an der Tagesordnung sein: something is commonplace, everyday, or normal. Example: "Verspätungen sind hier an der Tagesordnung." (Delays are the order of the day here.) (Here "Tagesordnung" has a figurative meaning!)

Compared to "Agenda" (which is also used in German, borrowed from English/Latin), "Tagesordnung" sounds slightly more formal and traditional, but they are often used interchangeably. "Programm" is more likely used for longer events like conferences.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Tagesordnung"

Article Mnemonic (die): Think of die Ordnung (the order). A Tagesordnung brings Ordnung (order) to the day (or the meeting). "Ordnung" is feminine in German, so "die Tagesordnung" is also feminine.

Meaning Mnemonic (Agenda): Break down the word: Tages (of the day) + Ordnung (order). It's literally the order for the day (or for the duration of the meeting). What happens in which sequence?

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion:

Be aware of the idiom "an der Tagesordnung sein", which means "to be commonplace / the order of the day" and doesn't directly refer to a meeting agenda.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Geister nicht an Meetings teil?

(Why don't ghosts attend meetings?)

Weil sie direkt durch die Tagesordnungspunkte durchgehen! 👻

(Because they go right through the agenda items!)

📜 A Poem about the Agenda

Punkt für Punkt, ganz klar strukturiert,
(Item by item, clearly structured,)
Damit die Zeit nicht wird verschmiert.
(So that time isn't wasted/smeared.)
Die Sitzung folgt dem roten Faden,
(The meeting follows the common thread,)
Kein Thema soll im Chaos baden.
(No topic should bathe in chaos.)
Von TOP zu TOP, so geht die Reise,
(From item to item, thus goes the journey,)
Auf wohl geordnete Weise.
(In a well-ordered manner.)
Das ist sie, straff und sehr geschwind,
(That's it, tight and very swift,)
Die Tagesordnung, mein liebes Kind.
(The agenda, my dear child.)

🧩 A Little Riddle

Ich habe Punkte, doch kann nicht spielen.
(I have points/items, but cannot play.)
Ich gebe Ordnung bei vielen Zielen.
(I provide order for many goals.)
In Sitzungen bin ich der Plan,
(In meetings, I am the plan,)
sag an, wie heißt ich dann?
(Tell me, what am I called then?)

✨ More Interesting Details

Word Composition:

The word "Tagesordnung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Tag: (The day) - Base word, referring to the timeframe (originally perhaps the day of the assembly).
• -es-: A linking element ('Fugen-s') connecting the parts.
• Die Ordnung: (The order) - Determining word, indicating a structured sequence.

Abbreviation "TOP":

In German agendas, individual items are often abbreviated as "TOP", which stands for "Tagesordnungspunkt" (agenda item). Example: "TOP 1: Begrüßung" (Item 1: Welcome), "TOP 2: Genehmigung des Protokolls" (Item 2: Approval of the minutes).

Cultural Aspect:

Having a clear Tagesordnung is often valued in German (business) culture as a sign of efficiency and good preparation.