innehaben
to hold
To have or exercise an official position, office, or function. It is a formal expression.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat seit fünf Jahren den Lehrstuhl für moderne Geschichte inne.
She has held the chair of modern history for five years.
innehaben
to hold
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Innehaben' (to hold) is a separable verb. The prefix 'inne' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er hat dieses wichtige Amt schon seit zehn Jahren inne.
He has held this important office for ten years.
Register
This verb belongs to formal or elevated language. You will find it mainly in official texts, news reports, or formal speeches.
EXAMPLE
Die Kanzlerin hat die Regierungsgewalt inne.
The chancellor holds governmental power.
Typical collocations
'Innehaben' (to hold) is always used with a position or function as an accusative object. Typical objects are: 'ein Amt' (an office), 'eine Position' (a position), 'einen Posten' (a post), 'einen Lehrstuhl' (a chair), or 'die Macht' (power).
EXAMPLE
Wer wird nach der Wahl das Amt des Bürgermeisters innehaben?
Who will hold the office of mayor after the election?
Compare with
innehaben vs ausüben
to exercise / practice
Both verbs can refer to an official function. Ausüben emphasizes that someone fulfills the tasks or duties of the function, whereas innehaben refers to the position itself as a formal office. Ausüben is suitable when referring to the activity; when referring to the position someone holds, innehaben is more appropriate.
innehaben
Die Bürgermeisterin hat dieses Amt seit drei Jahren inne.
The mayor has held this office for three years.
ausüben
Die Bürgermeisterin übt ihr Amt trotz der schwierigen Lage weiter aus.
The mayor continues to perform her official role despite the difficult situation.
In real life
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