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.
trial / hearing
A court proceeding in which a legal dispute or criminal offense is decided.
Die Verhandlung gegen den Angeklagten beginnt nächste Woche.
The trial against the defendant begins next week.
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
Gespräch and Verhandlung can both refer to a formal exchange between several parties. Gespräch emphasizes the exchange itself and can take place without the goal of reaching an agreement, while Verhandlung is specifically aimed at reaching an agreement and establishing mutually acceptable conditions. Use Gespräch for a simple consultation, and Verhandlung when negotiating a solution.
Die Minister führten eine Verhandlung über das Abkommen, um die Bedingungen festzulegen.
The ministers held negotiations about the agreement in order to establish the conditions.
Die Minister führten ein Gespräch über das Abkommen, ohne schon über Bedingungen zu entscheiden.
The ministers had a conversation about the agreement without deciding on any conditions yet.
