communication / agreement / notification
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communication
The process of communication in which people understand each other, especially when they speak different languages or have different views.
Trotz der Sprachbarriere war die Verständigung mit Händen und Füßen möglich.
Despite the language barrier, communication was possible with hands and feet.
agreement
An agreement or understanding reached after a discussion or negotiation.
Nach langen Gesprächen kamen die beiden Parteien zu einer Verständigung.
After long discussions, the two parties came to an agreement.
notification
The formal notification or informing of a person or authority about a specific matter.
Die Verständigung der Angehörigen wurde von einem Seelsorger begleitet.
The notification of the relatives was accompanied by a chaplain.
'Die Verständigung' (communication/agreement/notification) is a noun derived from the verb 'sich verständigen' (to communicate/reach an agreement). The verb in turn is based on 'verstehen' (to understand). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the process or the result.
Wir müssen uns über die nächsten Schritte verständigen.
We need to agree on the next steps.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about communication (often with 'zwischen' [between]), meaning 1 is intended. If it is about the result of a negotiation (often with 'zu ... kommen' [to come to ...]), meaning 2 is intended. In an official or police context, meaning 3 is usually intended.
Die Verständigung zwischen den Kulturen ist eine große Herausforderung.
Communication between cultures is a major challenge.
When it is about communication, 'Verständigung' (communication) is often used with the prepositions 'zwischen' (between people/groups) and 'über' (about a topic).
Die Verständigung zwischen den Teammitgliedern war ausgezeichnet.
Communication between the team members was excellent.
In the meaning of 'agreement', the fixed expression 'zu einer Verständigung kommen' (to come to an agreement) or 'eine Verständigung erzielen' (to reach an agreement) is often used. This describes reaching a compromise.
Nach stundenlangen Verhandlungen konnten sie eine Verständigung erzielen.
After hours of negotiations, they were able to reach an agreement.
The meaning 'notification' belongs to formal official language (bureaucratic German). In everyday life, this word is rarely used in this sense.
Die Verständigung des Notarztes erfolgte über die Leitstelle.
The notification of the emergency doctor was carried out through the control center.
understanding
Both words can be used when people or what they say are not fully understood. Verständnis tends to refer to a person's ability or insight, while Verständigung describes the mutual process of understanding one another. Use Verständnis for an existing understanding and Verständigung for communication between people.
Wegen seiner geringen Deutschkenntnisse war die Verständigung mit den anderen schwierig.
Because his German was limited, communication with the others was difficult.
Wegen seiner geringen Deutschkenntnisse hatte er wenig Verständnis für die Erklärung.
Because his German was limited, he had little understanding of the explanation.
