German word

bilateral

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbiːlatəʁaːl/

Meaning

  • adjectivebilateral

Example

Die bilaterale Zusammenarbeit ist wichtig.

Bilateral cooperation is important.

Illustration for bilateral (bilateral)

More examples

Die bilateralen Beziehungen wurden zuletzt intensiviert.

Bilateral relations were recently intensified.

Core concept

Two distinct sides connected in a direct exchange.

Common phrases

  • bilaterale Beziehungen

    bilateral relations

  • bilaterale Vereinbarung

    bilateral agreement

Similar words

zweiseitig: Involving a relationship or arrangement between two parties.
beidseitig: Applying equally to both sides.
gegenseitig: Done by each side toward the other.
wechselseitig: Involving mutual influence between two sides.

Definition in German

Zwischen genau zwei Parteien geltend; gegenseitig zwischen zwei Seiten wirksam.

Word origin

German borrowed this adjective from Latin bilateralis, formed from bi- meaning 'two' and latus meaning 'side'.

Usage tips

  • Bilateral is common in formal political, diplomatic, and economic language, while everyday German often uses beidseitig or zweiseitig for physical two-sided situations.

Other meanings

  • two-sidedadjective

Opposites

  • multilateralmultilateraladjective
  • einseitigunilateraladjective

Word lists with this word