German word

absprechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌʃpʁɛçən/

Meaning

  • verbagree on

Example

Wir haben die Einzelheiten gestern abgesprochen.

We agreed on the details yesterday.

Illustration for absprechen (agree on)

More examples

Vor dem Meeting sollten wir noch den Zeitplan mit dem Team absprechen.

Before the meeting, we should still coordinate the schedule with the team.

Core concept

People talk through a matter until its terms are fixed, or speak a claimed right or ability away from someone.

Common phrases

  • sich mit dem Team absprechen

    coordinate with the team

  • einen Termin absprechen

    agree on an appointment

  • etwas vorher absprechen

    agree on something in advance

Similar words

abmachen: A casual promise or simple arrangement made in conversation.
vereinbaren: A formally established agreement about terms or a contract.
abstimmen: A decision made by balancing several views or holding a vote.
verabreden: A prearranged meeting time or mutual commitment.

Definition in German

Miteinander etwas klären und verbindlich regeln; in der Idiomatik ‚jemandem etwas absprechen‘ kann es bedeuten, jemandes Recht oder Fähigkeit zu leugnen

Word origin

The verb combines ab- ('away' or 'off') with sprechen ('speak'), extending from speaking something out for arrangement to taking a claimed quality or right away.

Usage tips

  • The coordination sense uses sich absprechen or etwas absprechen, while the denying sense uses jemandem etwas absprechen with a dative person and an accusative thing.

Other meanings

  • coordinateverb
  • denyverb

Related words

  • Abspracheagreementnoun
  • abgesprochenagreed-uponadjective

Word lists with this word