acquisition / appropriation
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acquisition
The process of acquiring knowledge, abilities, or skills and making them one's own.
Die Aneignung einer neuen Sprache erfordert viel Zeit und Geduld.
The acquisition of a new language requires a lot of time and patience.
appropriation
The taking possession of something. In a legal context, this can mean the lawful taking possession of ownerless property or an unlawful act.
Die widerrechtliche Aneignung von Firmengeldern führte zu seiner sofortigen Entlassung.
The unlawful appropriation of company funds led to his immediate dismissal.
appropriation
The adoption of forms of expression, practices, or symbols of another, often marginalized culture or social group. Frequently used in the expression 'cultural appropriation'.
In der Modewelt gibt es immer wieder Debatten über kulturelle Aneignung.
In the fashion world, there are repeated debates about cultural appropriation.
'Aneignung' (acquisition/appropriation) is the noun corresponding to the reflexive verb 'sich (etwas) aneignen' (to acquire/appropriate something). The verb describes the active process of making something one's own and is always used with an accusative object.
Er hat sich in kurzer Zeit umfassende Kenntnisse angeeignet.
He acquired extensive knowledge in a short time.
In the context of learning, 'Aneignung' (acquisition) is often used with the preposition 'von' (of) or a genitive to specify what is being learned. Typical phrases are 'die Aneignung von Wissen' (the acquisition of knowledge), 'die Aneignung von Fähigkeiten' (the acquisition of skills), or 'die Aneignung einer Sprache' (the acquisition of a language).
Die Aneignung von Fachwissen ist für diese Position unerlässlich.
The acquisition of specialist knowledge is essential for this position.
This meaning is often found in legal or formal contexts. A clear signal word is the adjective 'widerrechtlich' (unlawful), which describes an illegal taking of possession.
Ihm wird die widerrechtliche Aneignung von Firmeneigentum vorgeworfen.
He is accused of the unlawful appropriation of company property.
In social debates, this word is used almost exclusively in the fixed collocation 'kulturelle Aneignung' (cultural appropriation). This refers to the adoption of symbols or practices of another culture.
Der Designer wurde für die kulturelle Aneignung traditioneller Muster kritisiert.
The designer was criticized for the cultural appropriation of traditional patterns.
takeover / assumption
When referring to forms of expression from another culture, Übernahme may initially sound neutral. Aneignung, however, refers to the more specific, often critical use in which a power imbalance or exploitative relationship may be implied. Use Aneignung when this critical perspective on cultural adoption is intended.
Die Aneignung eines traditionellen Musters wurde wegen des Machtverhältnisses kritisiert.
The appropriation of a traditional pattern was criticized because of the power imbalance.
Die Übernahme eines traditionellen Musters wurde in der Ausstellung sachlich erklärt.
The adoption of a traditional pattern was explained objectively in the exhibition.
