agreement
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agreement / convention
A formal, often written agreement or contract between two or more parties, states, or organizations.
Die EU-Staaten haben ein neues Übereinkommen zum Klimaschutz unterzeichnet.
The EU states signed a new agreement on climate protection.
'Das Übereinkommen' (the agreement) is the nominalization of the verb 'übereinkommen'. This verb means 'to agree' or 'to come to a shared opinion' and is made up of 'über', 'ein', and 'kommen'.
Nach langer Diskussion kamen die Parteien überein, den Vertrag zu ändern.
After a long discussion, the parties agreed to amend the contract.
In formal contexts, 'Übereinkommen' (agreement/convention) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are: 'ein Übereinkommen treffen' (to make an agreement), 'ein Übereinkommen erzielen' (to reach an agreement), or 'ein Übereinkommen unterzeichnen' (to sign an agreement).
Die Verhandlungspartner konnten endlich ein Übereinkommen erzielen.
The negotiating partners were finally able to reach an agreement.
To state the content of the agreement, the preposition 'über' with the accusative is used. The parties involved are named with 'zwischen' and the dative.
Es gibt ein Übereinkommen über die Nutzung der gemeinsamen Ressourcen.
There is an agreement on the use of the shared resources.
This meaning of 'Übereinkommen' (agreement/convention) as a formal contract is typical of legal, political, and business language. It is used less often in everyday speech.
Das Genfer Übereinkommen regelt den Schutz von Zivilisten im Krieg.
The Geneva Convention regulates the protection of civilians in war.
contract
'der Vertrag' and 'das Übereinkommen' can both mean an agreement between people, organizations, or states. 'Vertrag' sounds more clearly legal and often more binding; you usually think of an official document with rights and obligations. 'Übereinkommen' can also be formal, especially between states or organizations. But it can also mean more generally that people agree on an issue. The words are easy to confuse because both have to do with reaching an agreement. When it is about a legally binding document, 'Vertrag' is often more natural. When the agreement between many parties or states is the focus, 'Übereinkommen' fits well.
Nach langen Gesprächen schließen die Staaten ein Übereinkommen zum Schutz der Natur.
After long talks, the states conclude an agreement to protect nature.
Der Vertrag mit dem neuen Internetanbieter läuft zwei Jahre.
The contract with the new internet provider runs for two years.