Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Deal | /diːl/ | masculine |
| Pakt | /pakt/ | masculine |
| Abkommen | /ˈʔapˌkɔmən/ | neuter |
| Abmachung | /ˈapˌmaχʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Abschluss | /ˈapˌʃlʊs/ | masculine |
| Handel | /ˈhandl̩/ | masculine |
The German language offers several ways to express the concept of a deal, depending on whether you are referring to a formal treaty, a specific arrangement between people, a business transaction or the successful closing of a contract. While Deal is common in modern speech, words like Abmachung or Abkommen are used for more specific types of agreements.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the scale and nature of the agreement. Abkommen is used for formal, high-level agreements like international treaties. Abmachung typically refers to a specific arrangement or mutual understanding between individuals or parties. Pakt is used for solemn or highly significant agreements, such as a non-aggression pact. Abschluss refers specifically to the conclusion or the act of closing a deal. Handel refers to trade or the act of dealing in products.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Deal is an anglicism and is considered informal, though it is frequently used in modern German business and casual contexts. For formal settings, you should use Vereinbarung for a general agreement, Abkommen for official pacts or Vertrag when you specifically mean a contract. For professional transactions, Geschäft can be used to refer to a business deal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Pakt is a masculine noun. Abkommen is a neuter noun. Abmachung is a feminine noun. Abschluss is a masculine noun. Handel is a masculine noun. Deal is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/diːl/
Did you know?
- The word Abschluss is used to describe the 'closing' of a deal, but it is also the standard word for a 'graduation' or a university degree.
- In a very specific sense, the verb abkommen can be used to describe someone becoming physically gaunt or thin.
- The feminine noun Abmachung comes from the verb abmachen, which can also mean to physically detach or remove something.
Examples in context
- Sie handeln mit Software.They deal in software products.This sentence illustrates the use of Handel regarding trading products.Tatoeba #980628 by Esperantostern, translation #305873 by CK
- Das ist ein guter Handel.This is a good deal.This sentence shows how to use Handel to describe a good deal.Tatoeba #1533992 by Esperantostern, translation #1042270 by yessoos
- Du mußt dich an die Abmachung halten.You need to stick to the deal.This sentence demonstrates the use of Abmachung when talking about sticking to an arrangement.Tatoeba #14042909 by Waldelfe, translation #8013751 by OsoHombre
- Wir haben eine Vereinbarung getroffenWe made a deal
- Nach langen Verhandlungen kam es zu einem AbkommenAfter lengthy negotiations, a deal was reached
- Das war ein erfolgreicher GeschäftsabschlussThat was a successful deal
- Wir haben eine AbmachungWe have a deal
- Hey, lass uns eine Abmachung treffenHey, let's make a deal
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a business proposal.
- LukasIst dieser Deal für dich fair?Is this deal fair for you?
- LauraJa, ich bin mit dem Deal einverstanden.Yes, I agree with the deal.
- LukasSuper, dann machen wir den Deal so.Great, then we will make the deal this way.
- LauraAbgemacht, Lukas!Done, Lukas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deal” translations and entries Deal, Pakt, Abkommen, Abmachung, Abschluss, Handel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Abkommen, Abmachung, Abschluss, Pakt, abkommen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
