Breakdown of Der Ablauf muss mit dem Chef abgesprochen sein.
sein
to be
der Chef
the boss (male)
müssen
to have to, must
mit
with
Questions & Answers about Der Ablauf muss mit dem Chef abgesprochen sein.
Why do we use abgesprochen sein here instead of abgesprochen werden?
This is the state passive (Zustandspassiv) combined with a modal verb. If we used abgesprochen werden (process passive), it would mean the coordination needs to happen right then. By using sein, it emphasizes that the coordination must already be a finished, completed state before the next step can happen.
Why is the word order abgesprochen sein at the end, and not sein abgesprochen?
In a main clause with a modal verb (muss), the modal takes the second position and pushes the rest of the verbs to the very end. At the end, the past participle (abgesprochen) comes right before the infinitive (sein). English says 'be coordinated' but German flips this to 'coordinated be'.
How does the prefix ab- change the meaning of sprechen in this sentence?
While sprechen simply means 'to speak', the separable prefix ab- often adds a sense of finality, completion, or mutual agreement. absprechen means to coordinate, agree upon, or clear something with someone else.
Could I use der Zeitplan instead of der Ablauf?
Yes, but there is a slight nuance. der Zeitplan strictly refers to a timetable with specific times. der Ablauf is broader and refers to the procedure, process, or the general sequence of events. Both can be translated as 'schedule' in English depending on the context.