consensus
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consensus
A shared opinion or general agreement within a group of people, without formal opposing votes. A consensus is often reached through discussion and compromise.
Nach langer Diskussion erzielten die Parteien einen Konsens über das weitere Vorgehen.
After a long discussion, the parties reached a consensus on how to proceed.
'Konsens' (consensus) is very often combined with certain verbs that describe the process of reaching agreement. The most common are: 'einen Konsens erzielen' (to reach a consensus), 'einen Konsens finden' (to find a consensus), or 'zu einem Konsens kommen' (to come to a consensus).
Die Verhandlungspartner konnten in der letzten Frage keinen Konsens erzielen.
The negotiating partners could not reach a consensus on the final issue.
When you want to say what there is agreement about, you use the preposition 'über' with the accusative. Another option is the construction with 'darüber, dass ...' (about the fact that ...).
Es herrscht Konsens über die Notwendigkeit von Reformen.
There is consensus about the need for reforms.
A very common and useful formulation is 'Es besteht Konsens' (there is consensus) or 'Es herrscht Konsens' (there is consensus). This impersonal construction emphasizes that the agreement is a fact.
In der Wissenschaft besteht breiter Konsens über den Klimawandel.
There is broad consensus in science about climate change.
approval / consent
'Zustimmung' and 'Konsens' both have to do with agreement. 'Zustimmung' can come from a single person: someone says yes or allows something. 'Konsens', on the other hand, means shared agreement within a group, often after a discussion or compromise. You can confuse the words because in both cases there is no open conflict left. If one person agrees, you are more likely to say 'Zustimmung'. If a group agrees on a shared solution, 'Konsens' fits better.
Nach langer Diskussion findet das Team einen Konsens.
After a long discussion, the team reaches a consensus.
Ich brauche deine Zustimmung, bevor ich die Nachricht abschicke.
I need your consent before I send the message.