to hijack
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to hijack
To violently and illegally take control of a vehicle, especially a ship or airplane.
Die Piraten versuchten, das Containerschiff vor der Küste Somalias zu kapern.
The pirates tried to hijack the container ship off the coast of Somalia.
The verb 'kapern' (to hijack) always requires an accusative object. You always hijack 'etwas' (something) or 'jemanden' (someone).
Die Hacker versuchten, das Computersystem zu kapern.
The hackers tried to hijack the computer system.
In its literal meaning, 'kapern' (to hijack) is used almost exclusively for vehicles. Typical objects are 'ein Schiff' (a ship), 'ein Flugzeug' (an airplane), or 'ein LKW' (a truck).
Die Entführer wollten ein Flugzeug kapern und in ein anderes Land fliegen.
The hijackers wanted to hijack an airplane and fly to another country.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the object. If it is something abstract like 'eine Idee' (an idea), 'ein Projekt' (a project), or 'eine Diskussion' (a discussion), the figurative meaning is intended.
Sie hat die Diskussion gekapert und nur noch über ihr eigenes Thema gesprochen.
She hijacked the discussion and only talked about her own topic from then on.
to take over / take on
'übernehmen' and 'kapern' can both mean that someone gets control over something. 'übernehmen' is neutral and can be official, planned, or allowed, for example with a company or an office. 'kapern' sounds much stronger: something is taken for oneself quickly, unexpectedly, or not entirely fairly. In its literal meaning, 'kapern' can even be violent and illegal, for example with a ship or airplane. The words can be confused especially in the figurative sense. If the action is normal or official, 'übernehmen' fits; if it seems aggressive or cheeky, 'kapern' fits.
Beim Treffen kapert er die Diskussion und spricht nur noch über sein eigenes Projekt.
At the meeting, he hijacks the discussion and only talks about his own project.
Nach der Wahl übernimmt er das Amt des Vorsitzenden.
After the election, he takes over the office of chairperson.