Uneinigkeit

Uneinigkeit is a German noun meaning lack of consensus or disagreement, the absence of a common opinion among people or groups. Etymologically, it combines einig (“united, in agreement”) with the prefix un- and the noun suffix -keit to form “the state of not being in agreement.” Related terms include Meinungsverschiedenheit (difference of opinion) and Dissens (dissent).

The term is used across various contexts. In politics and public administration, uneinigkeit describes disagreement within coalitions or between agencies, often requiring negotiation or compromise. In law and public policy, it can indicate divergent interpretations or approaches. In organizational settings, it signals conflicting goals, priorities, or strategies that managers and stakeholders must address through deliberation or decision procedures.

In philosophy and epistemology, uneinigkeit refers to situations where rational agents hold different beliefs about propositions, raising questions about how to respond to dissent. This contrasts with consensus, the general alignment of views. In everyday discourse, approaches to resolving uneinigkeit include discussion, persuasion, and formal mechanisms such as voting or delegated decision-making.