01
sich verabreden
to arrange to meet
To arrange an appointment or meeting with someone.
example
Wir haben uns für morgen Abend im Kino verabredet.
We arranged to meet at the cinema tomorrow evening.
verabreden
to arrange / to agree
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'verabreden' (to arrange / to agree) is inseparable. The prefix 'ver-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'abreden' in all sentence forms and tenses and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Sie verabredete ein Treffen mit ihrer Chefin.
She arranged a meeting with her boss.
Context clue
Whether the verb is used reflexively ('sich verabreden' — to arrange to meet) or non-reflexively ('verabreden' — to agree on) indicates the exact meaning. With 'sich,' it is about arranging a meeting between people. Without 'sich,' it is about agreeing on a thing or a plan.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns auf einen Kaffee verabredet.
We arranged to meet for a coffee.
Reflexive use
When you arrange a meeting, the verb is reflexive: 'sich verabreden' (to arrange to meet). The person you are meeting is connected with the preposition 'mit' and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich mit einem alten Freund zum Mittagessen verabredet.
I arranged to meet an old friend for lunch.
Transitive use
When something is agreed on, such as a plan or a signal, 'verabreden' (to agree on) is used transitively with an accusative object or a subordinate clause with 'dass' or 'ob.'
EXAMPLE
Die Spione hatten ein geheimes Zeichen verabredet.
The spies had agreed on a secret sign.
Compare with
verabreden vs beschließen
to decide / conclude
'beschließen' and 'verabreden' can both mean that several people agree on something. However, 'beschließen' often sounds more official and fits well with groups, associations, parliaments, or meetings. It usually refers to a decision made after discussion. 'verabreden' is more personal and emphasizes the shared agreement. When two people decide something together, 'verabreden' sounds more natural; when a committee or official body makes a decision, 'beschließen' fits better.
verabreden
Tom und Lisa verabreden, dass sie sich vor dem Kino treffen.
Tom and Lisa agree that they will meet in front of the cinema.
beschließen
Der Stadtrat beschließt nächste Woche den neuen Plan für den Marktplatz.
The city council will decide next week on the new plan for the marketplace.
In real life
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