sich einig sein
to agree
To have the same opinion or view as another person or group and be in agreement.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Punkt sind wir uns alle einig.
We all agree on this point.
einig
agreed / united
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Meanings
sich einig werden
to reach agreement
To come to a shared agreement or compromise after a discussion or negotiation.
EXAMPLE
Nach stundenlanger Debatte wurden sie sich endlich über den Preis einig.
After hours of debate, they finally reached agreement on the price.
einig
united
In rarer use, describes a state of inner unity or cohesion within a group.
EXAMPLE
Das Volk stand einig hinter seinem König.
The people stood united behind their king.
Usage tips
Reflexive use
The word 'einig' (agreed/united) is almost always used reflexively with 'sich': 'sich einig sein' (to agree/be in agreement) or 'sich einig werden' (to reach agreement). The reflexive pronoun changes to match the subject.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind uns einig, dass wir etwas ändern müssen.
We agree that we need to change something.
State or process
The combination with 'sein' (to be) describes a state of agreement, while the combination with 'werden' (to become) describes the process of reaching agreement, which often happens after a discussion.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschwister sind sich einig, wie sie das Erbe aufteilen.
The siblings agree on how to divide the inheritance.
Preposition 'über'
When you name the subject of the agreement, you use the preposition 'über' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Experten sind sich über die Ursachen des Problems nicht einig.
The experts do not agree on the causes of the problem.
Word family
'Einig' (agreed/united) is derived from the number 'eins' (one). It describes the idea that several people come to 'one' opinion. Related words are 'die Einigkeit' (the state of being in agreement/unity) and 'vereinigen' (to unite).
EXAMPLE
Einigkeit macht stark.
Unity makes strength.
Rare use
Use as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'ein einiges Volk' — a united people) is rare and often sounds formal or literary. In everyday language, the reflexive use dominates.
EXAMPLE
Die Jury trat als einiges Gremium auf.
The jury appeared as a united body.
Compare with
einig vs eins
one
Eins and einig can both express that several people have the same opinion. However, sich eins sein sounds more formal and less common in everyday speech in this fixed expression, while sich einig sein is usual in normal conversation. Eins may therefore be chosen deliberately in a formal speech.
einig
Nach kurzer Diskussion waren sich die Mitglieder schließlich einig.
After a brief discussion, the members finally agreed.
eins
Nach langer Diskussion waren sich die Mitglieder schließlich eins.
After a long discussion, the members finally reached agreement.
In real life
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