der Handschlag
handshake
The mutual clasping of hands as a greeting, farewell, or to seal an agreement.
EXAMPLE
Zur Begrüßung gab der Chef jedem Mitarbeiter einen festen Handschlag.
As a greeting, the boss gave each employee a firm handshake.
der Handschlag
handshake
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Meanings
per Handschlag
by handshake
An idiom meaning that an agreement is made orally and informally, but bindingly, through a handshake, without a written contract.
EXAMPLE
Früher wurden viele Geschäfte auf dem Land noch per Handschlag besiegelt.
In the past, many deals in the countryside were still sealed by handshake.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word consists of 'Hand' (hand) and 'Schlag' (blow/strike). Although 'Schlag' often means 'Stoß' (push/thrust) or 'Hieb' (blow), here it describes the brief, firm contact of the hands when shaking hands.
EXAMPLE
Ein Handschlag ist eine Geste, bei der sich Hände kurz berühren.
A handshake is a gesture in which hands briefly touch.
Typical collocations
You 'gibt' (give) someone a 'Handschlag' (handshake). The handshake is often described more precisely with an adjective, for example 'ein fester Handschlag' (a firm handshake) or 'ein kurzer Handschlag' (a brief handshake).
EXAMPLE
Der Manager gab jedem Bewerber zur Begrüßung einen festen Handschlag.
The manager gave each applicant a firm handshake as a greeting.
Fixed expression
The expression 'per Handschlag' (by handshake) is a fixed unit and means that an agreement is sealed orally and by shaking hands. It is often used with verbs such as 'besiegeln' (to seal), 'vereinbaren' (to agree), or 'beschließen' (to decide/conclude).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Geschäftspartner besiegelten den Deal per Handschlag.
The two business partners sealed the deal by handshake.
Compare with
Handschlag vs Händedruck
handshake
Both words refer to clasping and shaking each other’s hands. „Handschlag“ can additionally mean a greeting or the confirmation of an agreement as a social gesture, while „Händedruck“ focuses more strongly on the physical pressure. „Handschlag“ is especially suitable for an agreement being sealed, while „Händedruck“ is used for the movement of the hands.
Handschlag
Mit einem Handschlag besiegelten die beiden ihre mündliche Vereinbarung.
The two of them sealed their verbal agreement with a handshake.
Händedruck
Der feste Händedruck des Verkäufers bestätigte ihre mündliche Vereinbarung.
The seller’s firm handshake confirmed their verbal agreement.
In real life
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