negotiation / trial
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negotiation
A formal discussion between two or more parties in order to reach an agreement, for example in politics or business. Often used in the plural.
Die Verhandlungen zwischen den Tarifpartnern waren erfolgreich.
The negotiations between the collective bargaining partners were successful.
The noun 'die Verhandlung' (the negotiation/trial) comes from the verb 'verhandeln' (to negotiate). This verb describes the process in which parties talk to each other in order to find a solution or agreement.
Die Gewerkschaft will morgen mit der Firma verhandeln.
The union wants to negotiate with the company tomorrow.
In a political or business context, the word is often used in the plural. Typical phrases are 'Verhandlungen führen' (to conduct negotiations), 'Verhandlungen aufnehmen' (to begin/resume negotiations), or 'in Verhandlungen stehen' (to be in negotiations).
Beide Länder stehen seit Monaten in schwierigen Verhandlungen.
Both countries have been in difficult negotiations for months.
When talking about the topic, you use 'über' with the accusative. When talking about the partners, you use 'mit' with the dative.
Die Verhandlungen über die neuen Gehälter waren lang.
The negotiations about the new salaries were long.
The meaning 'court proceeding' can be recognized from words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Angeklagter' (defendant), 'Richter' (judge), or 'Prozess' (trial). In this context, the word is usually used in the singular.
Der Richter hat die Verhandlung für heute geschlossen.
The judge has closed the hearing for today.
conversation
'das Gespräch' and 'die Verhandlung' can both describe a formal spoken situation. However, 'Gespräch' is more general: it can be an exchange or a goal-oriented discussion, for example at work. 'Verhandlung' is used when several sides want to reach an agreement, for instance about money, contracts, or political issues. Learners may confuse the words because a negotiation is also a kind of conversation. In practice: every 'Verhandlung' is a 'Gespräch', but not every 'Gespräch' is a 'Verhandlung'.
Die Verhandlung über den neuen Vertrag dauert schon seit zwei Stunden.
The negotiation about the new contract has already been going on for two hours.
Nach dem Gespräch mit der Chefin wusste Paul, was er ändern soll.
After the meeting with his boss, Paul knew what he should change.