family business
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family business
A company that is majority-owned by one or more families and in which the family has significant influence over management. Leadership is often passed down through generations.
Die kleine Brauerei ist ein Familienunternehmen in der fünften Generation.
The small brewery is a fifth-generation family business.
This word is made up of 'Familie' (family), which becomes 'Familien-', and 'Unternehmen' (company/business). The 'n' is a linking element. So it describes a business that belongs to a family and is run by them.
Viele bekannte deutsche Marken sind in Wahrheit Familienunternehmen.
Many well-known German brands are actually family businesses.
Typical verbs are 'führen' (to run), 'leiten' (to manage), or 'übernehmen' (to take over). Tradition is also often emphasized, for example with the phrase 'in der dritten Generation' (in the third generation).
Sie wird das Familienunternehmen ihrer Eltern nächstes Jahr übernehmen.
She will take over her parents' family business next year.
In Germany, family businesses are very economically significant and are often known for their high quality and long tradition. The term has very positive connotations and stands for stability.
Der deutsche Mittelstand besteht zu einem großen Teil aus erfolgreichen Familienunternehmen.
The German Mittelstand consists largely of successful family businesses.
family business
'Familienunternehmen' and 'Familienbetrieb' both mean a company that belongs to a family and is often run by it. They can therefore easily be confused. 'Familienunternehmen' sounds somewhat more formal and can also fit larger companies where the family has strong influence over management. 'Familienbetrieb' often sounds more personal and smaller, for example a bakery, hotel, or workshop where family members work too. In many everyday situations, both are possible, but 'Unternehmen' sounds more business-oriented, while 'Betrieb' sounds more practical and closer to everyday work.
Das Familienunternehmen produziert seit drei Generationen Möbel.
The family business has been producing furniture for three generations.
In dem kleinen Familienbetrieb hilft am Wochenende auch die Tochter mit.
In the small family business, the daughter also helps out on weekends.