Verhandle

Verhandle is the imperative singular form of the German verb verhandeln, which means to negotiate or bargain. Verhandeln refers to the process of discussing terms with the aim of reaching an agreement, often in business, legal, or diplomatic contexts. The word is commonly used to describe negotiating prices, contracts, conditions, or other terms.

Etymology and usage: verhandeln is formed with the verb handeln (to act or deal) plus the separable prefix ver-, a common pattern in German verbs. In everyday language, the focus is on the act of bargaining and reaching mutual concessions. The verb is transitive and typically appears with prepositional phrases such as mit jemandem (with someone) or über etwas (about something). For example: Wir verhandeln mit dem Lieferanten über den Preis. Or in imperative form: Verhandle mit dem Verkäufer über die Konditionen.

Conjugation and forms: present tense forms include ich verhandle, du verhandelst, er verhandelt. Past forms are verhandelte (simple past) and verhandelt (past participle). The noun form Verhandlung denotes a negotiation or a session of negotiation, and Verhandlungen is the plural.

Related terms and nuance: aushandeln emphasizes hammering out a concrete agreement, sometimes with a stronger sense of finalizing terms. Verhandlungstaktik refers to negotiation tactics. In English, verhandeln is commonly translated as negotiate or bargain, depending on context.

See also: Verhandlung, Verhandlungstaktik, Preisverhandlung.