establishment
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establishment
The totality of the dominant, influential groups in a society or a particular field. The term is often used critically to refer to the established power structure in politics, business, and culture.
Die neue Partei versteht sich als Alternative zum politischen Etablissement.
The new party sees itself as an alternative to the political establishment.
The two meanings can be distinguished easily: If the word refers to abstract power structures in politics or culture, it means the ruling group. If it refers to a concrete building or a place you can go to, it means a venue or establishment.
Der Künstler sah sich als Provokation für das kulturelle Etablissement.
The artist saw himself as a provocation to the cultural establishment.
'Etablissement' is a loanword from French. This explains the spelling, which is unusual for German, and the pronunciation, in which the ending '-ment' sounds nasal.
Der Name des Etablissements war auf einer eleganten Tafel über dem Eingang zu lesen.
The name of the establishment could be read on an elegant sign above the entrance.
In the meaning 'ruling group', the word often has a critical or detached undertone. It is frequently used by people or groups who oppose this power structure.
Die Jugendbewegung protestierte gegen das politische Etablissement.
The youth movement protested against the political establishment.
As a term for a venue, 'Etablissement' often sounds refined and somewhat formal or old-fashioned. It can also be used as a euphemism for entertainment venues such as bars or nightclubs.
Er führte sie in ein exklusives Etablissement mit Live-Musik aus.
He took her out to an exclusive establishment with live music.
company / undertaking
'das Unternehmen' and 'das Etablissement' can both mean a business operation. 'das Unternehmen' is the normal, broad term for a company in almost any field. 'das Etablissement' more often means a venue or business in the restaurant or entertainment sector, for example a restaurant, a bar, or a nightclub. It sounds more upscale or distinctive than 'Lokal' and is not suitable for every company. Learners may confuse the words because both operate economically, but 'Etablissement' is much narrower in use.
Wegen der guten Musik gehen sie morgen wieder in dasselbe Etablissement.
Because of the good music, they are going back to the same establishment tomorrow.
Leas Unternehmen entwickelt heute neue Ideen für umweltfreundliche Verpackungen.
Today, Lea's company is developing new ideas for environmentally friendly packaging.