agreement / unification
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agreement
The result of negotiations in which the parties involved reach a shared understanding or compromise.
Nach langen Gesprächen erzielten die Tarifpartner eine Einigung.
After long talks, the collective bargaining partners reached an agreement.
'Einigung' (agreement / unification) belongs to the word family of 'eins' (one). It is the nominalization of the verb 'sich einigen' (to agree / to come to an agreement) and describes the process or result of becoming 'eins' (one).
Die beiden Parteien konnten sich nicht einigen.
The two parties could not agree.
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In connection with negotiations, contracts, or conflicts, it refers to an agreement. In a historical or political context, it means the unification of states or territories.
Die Einigung zwischen den Firmen wurde gestern bekannt gegeben.
The agreement between the companies was announced yesterday.
Common verbs with 'Einigung' (agreement) are 'eine Einigung erzielen' (to reach an agreement) or 'zu einer Einigung kommen' (to come to an agreement). The prepositions 'über' (accusative) or 'auf' (accusative) indicate what people have agreed on.
Die Gewerkschaft und die Arbeitgeber haben eine Einigung über die Löhne erzielt.
The union and the employers reached an agreement on wages.
The combination 'die deutsche Einigung' (German unification) is a fixed expression that refers specifically to the reunification of Germany in 1990.
Der Fall der Berliner Mauer war ein wichtiger Schritt zur deutschen Einigung.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was an important step toward German unification.
comparison / settlement
'der Vergleich' (settlement) and 'die Einigung' (agreement) can both mean that two sides come to a shared solution after a dispute or negotiations. 'die Einigung' is the more general word: people can reach an agreement in everyday life, in politics, or at work. In this meaning, 'der Vergleich' refers especially to a legal agreement, often in court, so that no verdict is needed. The words can be confused because a settlement in court is an agreement. But not every agreement is a settlement. If it is not about law or court, 'Einigung' usually sounds more natural.
Nach langem Gespräch finden sie eine Einigung wegen der Reisekosten.
After a long conversation, they reach an agreement about the travel costs.
Vor Gericht schließen die Nachbarn einen Vergleich, damit der Streit endet.
In court, the neighbors reach a settlement so that the dispute ends.