negotiating table
der Verhandlungstisch, die Verhandlungstische
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negotiating table
A table where negotiations take place. The parties involved usually sit on different sides and discuss an agreement or a conflict.
Die Delegationen trafen sich am Verhandlungstisch, um über den Vertrag zu sprechen.
The delegations met at the negotiating table to discuss the treaty.
negotiations
The negotiations themselves or the possibility of taking part in negotiations, especially in phrases such as „an den Verhandlungstisch kommen“ (to come to the negotiating table) or „an den Verhandlungstisch zurückkehren“ (to return to the negotiating table).
Nach den Kämpfen kehrten beide Parteien an den Verhandlungstisch zurück.
After the fighting, both parties returned to the negotiating table.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Verhandlungstische |
| genitive | des Verhandlungstisches |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Verhandlungstisch | die Verhandlungstische |
| accusative | den Verhandlungstisch | die Verhandlungstische |
| dative | dem Verhandlungstisch | den Verhandlungstischen |
| genitive | des Verhandlungstisches des Verhandlungstischs | der Verhandlungstische |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
„Verhandlungstisch“ is made up of „Verhandlung“ (negotiation) and „Tisch“ (table). Literally, it means a table where negotiations are conducted; from this, the figurative meaning referring to the negotiations themselves also developed.
Die Vertreter beider Firmen saßen stundenlang am Verhandlungstisch.
Representatives of both companies sat at the negotiating table for hours.
The phrase „am Verhandlungstisch“ (at the negotiating table) is often used to mean „bei den Verhandlungen“ (at the negotiations). For movement toward the negotiations, „an den Verhandlungstisch“ (to the negotiating table) is used, for example with „kommen“ (to come) or „zurückkehren“ (to return).
Die Regierung will an den Verhandlungstisch zurückkehren.
The government wants to return to the negotiating table.
Am Verhandlungstisch wurde ein neuer Vorschlag vorgestellt.
A new proposal was presented at the negotiating table.
The figurative meaning can often be recognized from verbs such as „kommen“ (to come), „zurückkehren“ (to return), or „sitzen“ (to sit). In this usage, the word appears particularly often in reports about political conflicts, peace talks, or collective bargaining negotiations.
Nach mehreren Monaten ohne Kontakt setzten sich die Konfliktparteien wieder an den Verhandlungstisch.
After several months without contact, the parties to the conflict sat down at the negotiating table again.
