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Concerning two sides, parties, or states; two-sided. Often used in the context of international relations and treaties.
Die beiden Länder unterzeichneten ein bilaterales Abkommen über den Handel.
The two countries signed a bilateral trade agreement.
In medicine or biology: occurring on both sides of the body or of an organ.
Der Arzt diagnostizierte eine bilaterale Lungenentzündung.
The doctor diagnosed bilateral pneumonia.
The word comes from Latin. The prefix 'bi-' means 'two', and 'lateral' refers to 'side'. So 'bilateral' literally means 'two-sided'.
Die bilateralen Verhandlungen zwischen den beiden Staaten waren erfolgreich.
The bilateral negotiations between the two states were successful.
The context shows which meaning is intended. In a political or economic setting, 'bilateral' always means that two parties or states are involved. In medicine, it describes something that occurs on both sides of the body.
Die Minister trafen sich zu einem bilateralen Gespräch.
The ministers met for a bilateral discussion.
'Bilateral' is a formal word and belongs to the specialist language of politics, economics, and medicine. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
In dem wissenschaftlichen Artikel wurde der bilaterale Handel analysiert.
The scientific article analyzed bilateral trade.
In political and economic contexts, 'bilateral' is often combined with these nouns: bilateral relations, bilateral treaties, or bilateral talks.
Die bilateralen Beziehungen der beiden Länder haben sich verbessert.
The bilateral relations between the two countries have improved.
In medicine, 'bilateral' describes symptoms or features that are present on both sides of the body. For example, one speaks of bilateral hearing loss or bilateral swelling.
Der Patient leidet an einem bilateralen Hörverlust.
The patient suffers from bilateral hearing loss.
on both sides / mutual
In the context of agreements, beidseitig can emphasize that something applies to both parties involved. Bilateral, on the other hand, describes the agreement or relationship itself as existing between two parties. Thus, both words can refer to the same contract, but they emphasize different aspects.
Die zwei Unternehmen schließen einen bilateralen Vertrag miteinander.
The two companies are entering into a bilateral contract with each other.
Der Vertrag legt beidseitige Pflichten für die zwei Unternehmen fest.
The contract establishes mutual obligations for the two companies.
