Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| zustimmen | /ˈt͡suːˌʃtɪmən/ |
| einverstanden sein | /ˈaɪ̯nfɛʁˌʃtandn̩ saɪ̯n/ (word by word) |
zustimmen is a synonym for 'agree' used when you agree with a specific person, a proposal or a statement. The phrase einverstanden sein means to be in agreement or to be okay with something, often used to express that you accept a certain condition or a plan.
Which one should you use?
Use zustimmen when you are agreeing with a specific person or a specific statement or proposal. Use einverstanden sein to express that you are in agreement with a plan or that you accept a certain condition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb zustimmen takes a dative object to indicate the person being agreed with.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsuːˌʃtɪmən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the accusative case instead of the dative case with zustimmen. Avoid saying ich stimme dich zu and use the dative form ich stimme dir zu instead.
When do people say it?
In informal situations, you can express agreement using several phrases: Ja, genau! (Yes, exactly!), Auf jeden Fall! (Definitely!), Klar, stimmt! (Sure, that's right!) or simply Stimmt! (Right!).
Did you know?
- The word stimmen is also used when 'tuning' a musical instrument. This shares the same root as zustimmen, linking social harmony with musical harmony.
- The word einverstanden is actually built from the verb verstehen, meaning 'to understand'. To be in agreement is, quite literally, to have 'understood into' a state of consensus.
- The word stimmen can also mean 'to be correct'. If a German says Das stimmt!, they are not necessarily agreeing with your opinion, but stating that a fact is accurate.
Examples in context
- Tom wird nie zustimmen.Tom will never agree.This sentence uses zustimmen to show a future refusal to agree.Tatoeba #5313326 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2646813 by CK
- Ich muss dir zustimmen.I have to agree with you.This sentence uses zustimmen to express the necessity of agreeing with someone.Tatoeba #8142326 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2908289 by Hybrid
- Dem kann ich zustimmen.This I can agree with.This sentence uses zustimmen to show how to agree with a specific thing.Tatoeba #11357202 by mayabe, translation #4530092 by CK
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing which movie to watch.
- LauraWollen wir den neuen Horrorfilm sehen?Do we want to see the new horror movie?
- FelixJa, ich kann dir voll und ganz zustimmen.Yes, I can completely agree with you.
- LauraSuper, dann buche ich jetzt die Tickets.Great, then I will book the tickets now.
- FelixDas ist eine gute Idee, Laura.That is a good idea, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “agree” translations and entries zustimmen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (einverstanden, sein) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
