agreement
Loading your saved state.
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.
understanding
A general, not necessarily formal agreement or consensus on a particular issue.
In der Gruppe herrschte das stille Übereinkommen, nicht über das heikle Thema zu sprechen.
There was a tacit understanding in the group not to talk about the sensitive topic.
'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
Both Vertrag and Übereinkommen can be formal, legally binding agreements. Vertrag places greater emphasis on the legal obligation as an instrument, while Übereinkommen emphasizes the agreement reached between parties and is particularly common for agreements between several states. Choose Vertrag for a general legal agreement and Übereinkommen for an official joint agreement.
Die beteiligten Staaten unterzeichneten ein Übereinkommen zum Schutz des Meeres.
The participating states signed an agreement to protect the sea.
Die Firma schloss mit dem neuen Mitarbeiter einen Vertrag über die Arbeitszeit.
The company signed a contract with the new employee covering the working hours.
