empire
Loading your saved state.
empire
A large empire ruled by an emperor or a central power and often including many different peoples and territories.
Das Römische Imperium war eines der mächtigsten Reiche der Antike.
The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires of antiquity.
'Imperium' (empire) is a rather formal and strong word. It is used to describe very large and powerful structures, whether in history or in business.
Die Geschichte des britischen Imperiums ist komplex.
The history of the British Empire is complex.
You can recognize the historical meaning from words like 'römisch' (Roman), 'antik' (ancient), or 'Kaiser' (emperor). You can recognize the figurative, business-related meaning from compounds like 'Firmen-Imperium' (corporate empire), 'Medien-Imperium' (media empire), or in the context of 'Unternehmer' (entrepreneur) and 'Konzern' (corporation).
Das Osmanische Imperium existierte über 600 Jahre.
The Ottoman Empire existed for over 600 years.
In a historical context, an 'Imperium' (empire) is often 'errichtet' (established/built) or 'gegründet' (founded). When it loses its power, it 'zerfällt' (falls apart/collapses).
Alexander der Große errichtete in kurzer Zeit ein riesiges Imperium.
Alexander the Great built a huge empire in a short time.
In business language, an 'Imperium' (empire) is usually 'aufgebaut' (built up). It often appears in compounds like 'Firmen-Imperium' (corporate empire), 'Wirtschafts-Imperium' (business empire), or 'Medien-Imperium' (media empire).
Sie hat aus einem kleinen Laden ein Mode-Imperium aufgebaut.
She built a fashion empire from a small shop.
company / undertaking
'das Unternehmen' and 'das Imperium' can both refer to a large economic organization. 'Unternehmen' is neutral and can be small or large. 'Imperium' is used figuratively for a very large and influential corporation, often with a lot of power and control by one person or family. The words can be confused because an empire can also consist of companies. For normal companies, you say 'Unternehmen'. 'Imperium' only fits when you want to especially emphasize size, power, and strong influence.
Aus einem kleinen Verlag wurde im Laufe der Jahre ein großes Medienimperium.
Over the years, a small publishing house became a large media empire.
Ihr Unternehmen bietet seit diesem Jahr auch Reparaturen für Fahrräder an.
Her company has also been offering bicycle repairs since this year.