Designed or selected so that different elements fit well together, harmonize, or are coordinated.
example
Ihre Kleidung und die Accessoires waren farblich perfekt aufeinander abgestimmt.
Her clothing and accessories were perfectly color-coordinated with each other.
Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Abgestimmt' (coordinated / agreed) is the past participle of the verb 'abstimmen' (to coordinate / to vote). The two meanings of the adjective come directly from the two main meanings of the verb: to harmonize/adjust things to each other and to decide on something by vote.
EXAMPLE
Die Teammitglieder haben ihre Aufgaben untereinander abgestimmt.
The team members coordinated their tasks with each other.
Context clue
The preposition 'auf' (to/for) or the word 'aufeinander' (to/with each other) points to the meaning 'harmonized'. A political or business context with nouns like 'Vorschlag' (proposal) or 'Termin' (appointment/date) points to the meaning 'decided by a vote'.
EXAMPLE
Die Farben im Raum sind gut aufeinander abgestimmt.
The colors in the room are well coordinated with each other.
Sentence structure: harmony
In the meaning 'harmonized' or 'coordinated', the structure 'abgestimmt auf + accusative' is often used to say what something is coordinated with or tailored to.
EXAMPLE
Das Menü ist genau auf die Wünsche der Gäste abgestimmt.
The menu is tailored exactly to the guests' wishes.
Usage: decision
In the meaning 'decided by a vote', 'abgestimmt' (agreed / voted on) usually comes directly before a noun. Typical nouns are 'Vorschlag' (proposal), 'Antrag' (motion/application), 'Ergebnis' (result), or 'Verhalten' (behavior).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen uns an das gemeinsam abgestimmte Vorgehen halten.
We have to stick to the jointly agreed approach.
Compare with
near_synonym
abgestimmt vs passend
suitable / fitting
'passend' and 'abgestimmt' can both mean that something fits well with something else. 'passend' is more general and can apply to a single thing that suits a purpose or situation. 'abgestimmt' emphasizes that several things have been deliberately chosen or planned so that they fit together. It is often used with colors, clothing, plans, appointments, or processes. So 'abgestimmt' sounds more strongly like coordination.
abgestimmt
Die Farben im Büro sind gut auf die Möbel abgestimmt.
The colors in the office are well coordinated with the furniture.
passend
Elif sucht eine passende Lampe für ihren Schreibtisch.