liquidation
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liquidation
The winding up and dissolution of a company, in which all assets are sold in order to pay debts and distribute the remaining proceeds to the owners.
Nach Jahren der Verluste beschlossen die Gesellschafter die Liquidation der Firma.
After years of losses, the shareholders decided on the liquidation of the company.
'Liquidation' belongs to the word family of 'liquidieren' (to liquidate, dissolve, kill) and 'liquid' (liquid, solvent). The ending '-ation' always denotes a process or action.
Der Geschäftsführer musste das Unternehmen liquidieren lassen.
The managing director had to have the company liquidated.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about companies, finances, assets, or debts, it means the dissolution of a company. If it is about people, agents, or political opponents, it means targeted killing.
Die Liquidation des Unternehmens dauerte mehrere Monate.
The liquidation of the company took several months.
In the meaning 'Auflösung eines Unternehmens' (dissolution of a company), 'Liquidation' is a technical term from business and legal language.
Der Anwalt ist auf die Liquidation von Gesellschaften spezialisiert.
The lawyer specializes in the liquidation of companies.
In a business context, the word is often combined with verbs such as 'beschließen' (to decide on) or 'durchführen' (to carry out). A company can also 'in Liquidation gehen' (go into liquidation) or 'in Liquidation sein' (be in liquidation).
Die Firma befindet sich seit letztem Monat in Liquidation.
The company has been in liquidation since last month.
In the meaning 'Tötung' (killing), the word is often used as a euphemism (a softened expression) to describe a planned murder. It sounds more formal and detached.
Der Befehl zur Liquidation des Verräters kam von höchster Stelle.
The order for the liquidation of the traitor came from the highest level.
dissolution / solution / resolution
'die Auflösung' and 'die Liquidation' can both refer to the end of a company or organization. 'Auflösung' is more general and mainly says that something is officially ended, for example an association, a contract, or a company. 'Liquidation' is more specific and more business-related: a company is wound up, assets are sold, and debts are paid. The words can be confused because liquidation is often part of a dissolution. If it is only about the formal ending, 'Auflösung' fits better; if it is about the financial winding-up process, 'Liquidation' is more precise.
Wegen hoher Schulden beginnt die Firma mit der Liquidation.
Because of high debts, the company is beginning liquidation.
Nach vielen Jahren beschlossen die Mitglieder die Auflösung des Vereins.
After many years, the members decided to dissolve the association.