Einigen

Einigen is a German verb meaning to unite or to bring into agreement, and in a broader sense to reconcile or harmonize different opinions. It is commonly used with a reflexive pronoun as sich einigen to describe parties coming to a consensus or to a common decision. The sense can also apply to uniting people or groups in support of a plan or solution.

Usage and constructions: With sich einigen, the phrase often specifies the point of agreement using auf or über, for example: Wir haben uns auf einen Termin geeinigt. Die Parteien haben sich auf einen Kompromiss geeinigt. Durch Verhandlungen konnten sich die Länder schließlich auf eine Lösung einigen. The verb can also appear in non-reflexive contexts, meaning to unite or reconcile others, though this is less frequent. A common related expression is eine Einigung herbeiführen, meaning to bring about an agreement.

Etymology and related forms: The verb is related to the noun Einigung, meaning a formal or general agreement. The adjective einig means united or in agreement, and Einigkeit refers to unity or consensus as a concept. These terms share the same Germanic roots connected with bringing elements into one.

See also: Einigung, Einigkeit, einig; related phrases include auf einen gemeinsamen Nenner bringen (to agree on a common denominator) and the broader notion of consensus in political or organizational contexts.