Verhandlung is feminine in German — the correct article is die. The plural is die Verhandlungen. In English, Verhandlung means negotiation or hearing (in a legal context).Die Verhandlung is a key word in business German vocabulary, used when talking about negotiations, deals, or legal proceedings. It's typically learned at B1 level. Whether you're negotiating a Vereinbarung with a Lieferant or discussing the terms of a Verkauf — you'll need this word. Below you'll find the full declension, example sentences, and a quiz.
Gender rule: Nouns ending in -ung are always feminine in German — no exceptions (die Verhandlung, die Vereinbarung, die Rechnung). This is one of the easiest gender rules to remember. See all gender patterns in the Article Rules and a full overview at the German Articles.
Verhandlung — Declension Table
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Verhandlung | die Verhandlungen |
| Genitive | der Verhandlung | der Verhandlungen |
| Dative | der Verhandlung | den Verhandlungen |
| Accusative | die Verhandlung | die Verhandlungen |
Example Sentences with Verhandlung
Die Verhandlung dauerte den ganzen Tag.
(The negotiation lasted all day.) — Nominative
Der Chef hat die Verhandlung persönlich geführt.
(The boss led the negotiation personally.) — Accusative
In der Verhandlung wurde ein Kompromiss gefunden.
(A compromise was found in the negotiation.) — Dative
Das Ergebnis der Verhandlung war für beide Seiten akzeptabel.
(The result of the negotiation was acceptable for both sides.) — Genitive
Die Verhandlungen mit dem Lieferanten laufen noch.
(The negotiations with the supplier are still ongoing.) — Nominative Plural
Bei den Verhandlungen geht es um das Budget für nächstes Jahr.
(The negotiations are about the budget for next year.) — Dative Plural
Related Words & Compounds
Word family (Wortfamilie): verhandeln (to negotiate — verb)
Common compounds (Komposita): der Verhandlungspartner (negotiation partner), das Verhandlungsergebnis (negotiation result), der Verhandlungstisch (negotiating table)
Common Mistake with Verhandlung
❌ Common mistake: Die Verhandlunges waren schwierig.
✅ Correct: Die Verhandlungen waren schwierig.
💡 Why: The plural of Verhandlung is Verhandlungen — not "Verhandlunges." German never forms plurals with -es. All nouns ending in -ung form the plural with -en: die Verhandlung → die Verhandlungen, die Vereinbarung → die Vereinbarungen, die Rechnung → die Rechnungen.
Quick Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
Can you get all three right? Apply what you've learned above.
1. Der Ausgang ___ Verhandlung ist noch offen.
- A) die Verhandlung
- B) der Verhandlung
- C) dem Verhandlung
Check Answer
"Der Ausgang der Verhandlung" — the genitive shows possession (the outcome of what?). Feminine genitive = der: der Verhandlung.
2. Der Kunde hat ___ Verhandlung abgebrochen.
- A) der Verhandlung
- B) dem Verhandlung
- C) die Verhandlung
Check Answer
"Abbrechen" takes an accusative object (what did he break off?). Feminine accusative = die: die Verhandlung.
3. Wir haben die entscheidend___ Verhandlung gewonnen.
- A) -e
- B) -en
- C) -er
Check Answer
After the definite article die in the accusative feminine, the adjective ending is -e: die entscheidende Verhandlung. After a definite article in the accusative feminine, the ending is always -e.
Want to practice more nouns like this? The Article Trainer has 600+ nouns to drill — including everyday vocabulary. Pick the article, get instant feedback, and stop guessing.
More Work & Business Nouns
- der Verkauf — the sale
- die Vereinbarung — the agreement
- der Umsatz — the revenue
- das Ziel — the goal
- die Rechnung — the invoice
- die Investition — the investment
- der Lieferant — the supplier
- der Chef — the boss
For more work-related vocabulary, explore the Business German vocabulary list or browse the full grammar overview.
Is it der, die, or das? Practice makes perfect.
The Article Trainer gives you 600+ nouns to drill — including everyday vocabulary. Pick the article, get instant feedback, and stop guessing.
Practice German Articles →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Verhandlung masculine, feminine, or neuter in German?
Verhandlung is feminine — the correct article is die. All nouns ending in -ung are feminine in German — no exceptions. This rule covers hundreds of common nouns: die Vereinbarung, die Rechnung, die Besprechung, die Verhandlung.
What is the plural of Verhandlung?
The plural is die Verhandlungen. All nouns ending in -ung form the plural by adding -en. This is one of the most predictable plural patterns in German.
How do you say negotiation in German?
The German word for negotiation is die Verhandlung. It comes from the verb "verhandeln" (to negotiate). In business contexts, Verhandlung refers to a negotiation between parties — for example about prices, contracts, or terms. In a legal context, Verhandlung can also mean a court hearing or trial — for example: die Gerichtsverhandlung (court hearing).
What is the difference between Verhandlung and Besprechung?
Die Verhandlung is a negotiation — a formal discussion where two or more parties try to reach an agreement, often with competing interests. Die Besprechung is a meeting or discussion — a more general term for colleagues talking through topics, sharing updates, or making decisions together. A Verhandlung involves bargaining; a Besprechung involves discussing.
