agreement / arrangement
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agreement
An informal agreement or shared plan that two or more people make with each other in order to coordinate something.
Laut Absprache treffen wir uns um 18 Uhr vor dem Kino.
As agreed, we are meeting at 6 p.m. in front of the cinema.
The noun 'die Absprache' is derived directly from the verb 'absprechen' (to agree/coordinate). It describes the result of that action: when people 'etwas miteinander absprechen' (coordinate something with each other), the result is an 'Absprache' (agreement/arrangement).
Wir müssen uns noch wegen des Geschenks absprechen.
We still need to coordinate with each other about the gift.
The most common verb used with 'Absprache' is 'treffen' (to make). The phrase 'eine Absprache treffen' means to make an agreement.
Die beiden Parteien haben eine geheime Absprache getroffen.
The two parties made a secret agreement.
The phrase 'in Absprache mit' (in consultation with) is a fixed expression that always requires the dative. It expresses that an action happens after consultation and with the approval of another person or department.
Der Plan wurde in Absprache mit allen Teammitgliedern entwickelt.
The plan was developed in consultation with all team members.
You can often recognize the negative meaning of an illegal agreement from accompanying words. Adjectives such as 'illegal' or 'geheim' (secret), as well as compounds like 'Preisabsprache' (price-fixing agreement), point to this context.
Die Ermittler deckten eine illegale Absprache zwischen den Baufirmen auf.
The investigators uncovered an illegal agreement between the construction companies.
contract
'der Vertrag' and 'die Absprache' can both mean that people agree on something. The difference mainly lies in the degree of formality. 'der Vertrag' is official, usually written, and legally important. 'die Absprache' is more informal and often helps coordinate something in everyday life or at work. Learners may confuse the words because both express an agreement. For rent, work, or purchases, you would usually say 'Vertrag'. For shared planning, appointments, or tasks, 'Absprache' fits better.
Nach kurzer Absprache übernimmt Tom den Einkauf und Lisa kocht das Abendessen.
After a brief agreement, Tom takes care of the shopping and Lisa cooks dinner.
Im Büro unterschreibt die Mitarbeiterin den Vertrag für ihre neue Stelle.
At the office, the employee signs the contract for her new position.