agreement / consensus
Loading your saved state.
agreement
A formal or informal arrangement or contract between two or more parties in which agreement has been reached on certain points.
Die beiden Länder trafen eine Übereinkunft über die gemeinsamen Grenzschutzmaßnahmen.
The two countries reached an agreement on joint border protection measures.
consensus
A state of basic agreement or consensus on a particular issue.
In der Gruppe herrschte die stille Übereinkunft, das heikle Thema nicht anzusprechen.
There was a silent consensus in the group not to bring up the delicate topic.
The noun is derived from the verb 'übereinkommen', which means 'sich einigen' (to reach an agreement). It is composed of 'über', 'ein', and 'kommen'. The ending '-kunft' is an old form related to 'kommen' (to come), as also seen in 'Ankunft' (arrival) or 'Zukunft' (future).
Nach langer Diskussion sind sie endlich übereingekommen.
After a long discussion, they finally reached an agreement.
'Übereinkunft' (agreement) is a rather formal word. It is often found in written language, especially in contracts, political reports, or business correspondence.
Die offizielle Übereinkunft wurde von beiden Parteien unterzeichnet.
The official agreement was signed by both parties.
This noun is often combined with the verbs 'treffen' (to make/reach) or 'erzielen' (to achieve/reach). The phrase 'zu einer Übereinkunft kommen' or 'gelangen' (to come to/reach an agreement) is also very common.
Die Verhandlungspartner konnten eine friedliche Übereinkunft erzielen.
The negotiating parties were able to reach a peaceful agreement.
To name the topic of the agreement, you use the preposition 'über' followed by the accusative.
Sie trafen eine Übereinkunft über die Aufteilung der Kosten.
They reached an agreement on the division of the costs.
approval / consent
Zustimmung is the approval of a proposal or action by a person or body involved. Übereinkunft, by contrast, requires several parties to reach an agreement with one another and make an arrangement. For one-sided agreement, Zustimmung is appropriate; for a jointly agreed arrangement, Übereinkunft is the better choice.
Nach mehreren Gesprächen trafen der Verein und die Stadt eine Übereinkunft über die Nutzung des Platzes.
After several discussions, the association and the city reached an agreement on how to use the square.
Der Verein wartet noch auf die Zustimmung der Stadt zu seinem Vorschlag.
The association is still waiting for the city's approval of its proposal.
