overlegden

Overleggen is a Dutch verb meaning to confer, consult, or discuss with others in order to reach an agreement or decision. The form 'overlegden' is the simple past (preterite) of the verb when the subject is plural, as in 'De partijen overlegden gisteren tot laat.' The past participle is 'overgelegd,' used with hebben in perfect tenses, e.g., 'De ministers hebben overlegd.'

Etymology and nuance: The verb is formed from over- and leggen (to lay or set). The basic sense is 'to lay matters over for discussion' or 'to lay out topics for consideration,' which extended to the meaning 'to confer' or 'to deliberate.' The related noun 'overleg' denotes a meeting, discussion, or consultation; 'overleggen' is the corresponding verb.

Usage considerations: Overleggen is common in formal contexts such as politics, government, business, and public administration. It refers to a process of discussion, exchange of information, and sometimes negotiation, lasting over a period of time. It is often paired with prepositions or nouns indicating participants or topics, e.g., 'na overleg met de vakbonden' or 'zij hebben overlegd.'

Related terms include overleg (a meeting or consultation) and beraadslagen (to deliberate). The term 'overleg' is widely used in official communications, whereas 'overleggen' is primarily a verb used to describe the process in past or present tense.