takeover / assumption
Loading your saved state.
takeover
The process by which one company gains control over another company, often by purchasing shares.
Die Übernahme der kleinen Firma durch den großen Konzern wurde gestern bekannt gegeben.
The takeover of the small company by the large corporation was announced yesterday.
'Die Übernahme' is the noun form of the inseparable verb 'übernehmen' (to take over / to assume). Understanding the verb helps you work out all meanings of the noun, since it is always about some form of taking something on or taking something over.
Er wird die Firma seines Vaters übernehmen.
He will take over his father's company.
You can recognize which meaning is intended from the noun that usually follows in the genitive. 'Die Übernahme eines Unternehmens' (the takeover of a company, business), 'die Übernahme der Verantwortung' (the assumption of responsibility, task), or 'die Übernahme der Kosten' (the assumption of costs, finance).
Die Übernahme der Verantwortung war ein großer Schritt für sie.
The assumption of responsibility was a big step for her.
In a business context, typical combinations are 'eine feindliche Übernahme' (a hostile takeover, against the will of the other company) and 'die Übernahme durch einen Konzern' (the takeover by a corporation).
Die Mitarbeiter fürchten sich vor einer feindlichen Übernahme.
The employees are afraid of a hostile takeover.
When referring to tasks, 'Übernahme' (assumption / taking on) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Verantwortung' (responsibility), 'Leitung' (leadership), 'Macht' (power), or 'Rolle' (role).
Die Übernahme der Geschäftsführung erfolgt zum ersten Januar.
The assumption of management duties will take place on the first of January.
possession
'Besitz' and 'Übernahme' can both have to do with control over something. The important difference is: 'Besitz' describes more of a state, in which someone has or controls something. 'Übernahme' describes the process in which someone takes over control, a task, a position, or even costs. Learners may confuse the words because after an 'Übernahme' (takeover / assumption), someone may possess or control something. A useful rule of thumb: 'Übernahme' is the step toward it; 'Besitz' is the state afterward.
Die Übernahme der neuen Aufgabe fällt Max schwer, weil ihm noch Erfahrung fehlt.
Taking on the new task is difficult for Max because he still lacks experience.
Nach der Schlüsselübergabe ist die Wohnung im Besitz der neuen Eigentümerin.
After the keys are handed over, the apartment is in the possession of the new owner.