Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Besprechung | /bəˈʃpʁɛçʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Versammlung | /fɛɐ̯ˈzamlʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Sitzung | feminine | |
| Zusammenkunft | /t͡suˈzamənkʊnft/ | feminine |
| Tagung | feminine |
In German, the word you choose for 'meeting' depends heavily on the context of the gathering. While Treffen is the most general term for any meeting, other words specify the nature of the event. For example, Besprechung is used for a meeting intended for discussion or consultation, while Sitzung refers to a formal session or conference used for organized discussions and decision-making. If the meeting is a large-scale professional or academic conference, use Tagung or Konferenz. If the gathering is a large assembly of people related to governance or organization, use Versammlung. For a meeting that occurs by chance or circumstance, use Zusammentreffen and in a legal context, a court hearing or trial is a Gerichtstermin.
Which one should you use?
The different forms reflect the scale and purpose of the gathering. Besprechung is typically used for a shorter, more informal business meeting or a discussion between colleagues. In contrast, Sitzung is used for more formal, structured meetings like a board meeting or a parliamentary session. Versammlung implies a large gathering of people, such as a political assembly or a protest. Tagung specifically refers to large-scale professional or academic conventions. For social contexts, Zusammenkunft provides a more formal or literary way to describe a rendezvous or get-together, whereas the casual term Treff is used for a meeting among friends or acquaintances.
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms for 'meeting' are feminine nouns. This means they use the feminine articles die in the nominative and accusative cases, or der in the genitive case.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈʃpʁɛçʊŋ/
Did you know?
- While the page lists many options, modern Germans often just use the English word 'Meeting' in business contexts, which is treated as a neuter noun das Meeting.
- The word Sitzung is actually derived from the verb sitzen, meaning 'to sit'. It literally translates to a 'sitting', much like how English speakers might refer to a 'sitting' in a formal parliamentary context.
- If you are attending a meeting for a professional conference, you might be at a Tagung. This word shares its root with 'Tage' (days), implying a gathering that spans several days.
Examples in context
- Man beendete die Sitzung.The meeting was brought to an end.This sentence is useful for describing the end of a Sitzung.Tatoeba #2110868 by Esperantostern, translation #11042133 by sundown
- Die Sitzung wird vertagt.The meeting is adjourned.This sentence is useful for describing a Sitzung being adjourned.Tatoeba #8801745 by Melang, translation #9096862 by sundown
- Sie besuchen jede Sitzung.They attend every meeting.This sentence is useful for describing the attendance of a Sitzung.Tatoeba #1709236 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1709216 by Amastan
- Wir laden Sie herzlich zu unserer Sitzung einWe cordially invite you to our meeting
- 471 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are talking in an office hallway.
- JuliaHast du heute eine Besprechung?Do you have a meeting today?
- LukasJa, ich habe eine Besprechung mit dem Chef.Yes, I have a meeting with the boss.
- JuliaViel Erfolg bei deiner Besprechung, Lukas!Good luck with your meeting, Lukas!
- LukasDanke, Julia!Thanks, Julia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “meeting” translations and entries Besprechung, Versammlung, Sitzung, Zusammenkunft, Tagung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Besprechung, Sitzung, Versammlung, Zusammenkunft, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
