die  Vereinbarkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈaɪnˌbaːʁkaɪt/

🤔 What exactly does "Vereinbarkeit" mean?

Die Vereinbarkeit describes the quality that different things (like ideas, plans, interests, areas of life) are *vereinbar* (compatible) with each other, meaning they can fit together or exist simultaneously without excluding or hindering one another.

It's about something being able to be brought into Einklang (harmony) or being kompatibel (compatible). Very often, the term is used in social and professional contexts, especially in discussions about die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf (work-life balance). Here, it refers to the possibility of meeting the demands of professional life as well as the needs of the family.

However, it can also refer to technical, logical, or contractual aspects, e.g., the *Vereinbarkeit* of different software systems or contract terms.

Since the word ends in "-keit", it is feminine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Vereinbarkeit

"Vereinbarkeit" is an abstract noun derived from the adjective *"vereinbar"* (compatible). It is feminine and takes the article die. Words ending in "-keit" are almost always feminine in German.

Generally, *"Vereinbarkeit"* is used as an uncountable noun in the singular. The plural *"die Vereinbarkeiten"* is rare but can occur when referring to different specific types or instances of compatibility.

Declension Singular

📖 Example Sentences

1. Die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf ist ein wichtiges gesellschaftliches Ziel.
   (The compatibility of family and career is an important societal goal.)
2. Der Ausschuss prüft die Vereinbarkeit des Gesetzes mit der Verfassung.
   (The committee examines the compatibility of the law with the constitution.)
3. Wir müssen die technische Vereinbarkeit der Systeme sicherstellen.
   (We must ensure the technical compatibility of the systems.)
4. Die Frage der Vereinbarkeit unterschiedlicher Interessen stand im Mittelpunkt der Diskussion.
   (The question of the compatibility of different interests was the focus of the discussion.)

💡 How "Vereinbarkeit" is Used

The term "Vereinbarkeit" is frequently encountered in discussions about social, political, and personal topics.

• Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf: This is by far the most common usage. It concerns measures and conditions that enable parents to be employed while also having time and energy for their children and family (e.g., flexible working hours, childcare).
• Technische/Logische Vereinbarkeit: Here it means compatibility, e.g., whether two software programs can work together or whether two statements are logically consistent.
• Rechtliche/Vertragliche Vereinbarkeit: Examining whether a regulation, law, or contract clause is consistent with higher-level law or other agreements.
• Persönliche Vereinbarkeit: Sometimes also used to express whether personal values, goals, or lifestyles are compatible with each other.

Compared to "Kompatibilität", "Vereinbarkeit" often emphasizes more strongly the aspect of actively bringing things into harmony or balancing different requirements, whereas "Kompatibilität" tends to describe a more passive characteristic of fitting together.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in the suffix "-keit" (like Fröhlichkeit, Möglichkeit, Ewigkeit) are almost always feminine. So, it's die Vereinbarkeit.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of trying to *"unite"* (vereinen) different concepts that are *"compatible"* (vereinbar). Achieving this state of being compatible is die Vereinbarkeit.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Vereinbarkeit

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential for Confusion):

• Die Vereinbarung: An agreement or contract between parties. (Not the quality of being compatible!)
• Die Einbarkeit: Rare word, more common is *Einigkeit* (unity, state of being in agreement).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Ist für Sie die Vereinbarkeit von früher Vogel und langer Leitung ein Problem?"
(The boss asks the new employee: "Is the compatibility of being an early bird and being slow on the uptake a problem for you?")

(Play on words: "früher Vogel" = early bird, "lange Leitung haben" = to be slow on the uptake/have a long wire, referencing potential incompatibility.)

📜 Poem about Vereinbarkeit

Der Job ruft laut, das Kind weint leis,
(The job calls loud, the child cries soft,)
Die Zeit verrinnt, heiß wird der Schweiß.
(Time slips away, sweat becomes hot.)
Wie passt das nur zusammen, fragt man sich,
(How does it fit together, one asks oneself,)
Die Antwort liegt im Gleichgewicht.
(The answer lies in balance.)
Man sucht den Weg, die Brücke baut,
(One seeks the path, builds the bridge,)
Damit das Leben sich entfaut.
(So that life can unfold.)
Dies Streben nach dem großen Glück,
(This striving for great happiness,)
Heißt Vereinbarkeit, Stück für Stück.
(Is called compatibility, piece by piece.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin das Ziel, wenn Welten kollidieren,
(I am the goal when worlds collide,)
Wenn Arbeit, Kind und Kegel koexistieren.
(When work, kids, and kin coexist side by side.)
Ich bin die Brücke zwischen Soll und Sein,
(I am the bridge between 'should' and 'is',)
Mal schwer zu finden, mal ganz fein.
(Sometimes hard to find, sometimes a gentle bliss.)
Man spricht von mir in Politik und Haus,
(They speak of me in politics and home,)
Ich bringe Gegensätze unter Applaus.
(I bring opposites together under applause.)

What am I? Solution: die Vereinbarkeit

🌐 Further Insights

Word Formation

The word "Vereinbarkeit" is composed of:

• The adjective vereinbar (compatible, reconcilable)
• The suffix -keit, which forms abstract nouns from adjectives and is always feminine (the ability/state of being compatible).

The adjective *"vereinbar"* is related to the verb *"vereinen"* (to unite).

Societal Relevance

The discussion surrounding die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf (work-life balance) is a central topic in German social and family policy. It influences debates on working time models, childcare services, parental allowance (*Elterngeld*), and gender equality.