das Unternehmen
company
An economic organization that produces goods or offers services; a company or business.
EXAMPLE
Sie leitet ein mittelständisches Unternehmen mit 50 Mitarbeitern.
She runs a medium-sized company with 50 employees.
das Unternehmen
company / undertaking
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Unternehmen
undertaking
A planned, often difficult or risky project; an action or enterprise.
EXAMPLE
Die Expedition zum Nordpol war ein gefährliches Unternehmen.
The expedition to the North Pole was a dangerous undertaking.
Usage tips
Word structure
The noun 'das Unternehmen' (company/undertaking) is derived from the verb 'unternehmen' (to undertake), which means 'to do something' or 'to tackle something'. This origin explains both meanings: a company is a large project, and an undertaking is something that one undertakes.
EXAMPLE
Die Gründung einer eigenen Firma ist ein großes Unternehmen.
Starting your own company is a major undertaking.
Context clue
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If it is about business, employees, or products, it means the company (m01). If it is about plans, adventures, or risks, it means the undertaking (m02).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen investiert in neue Technologien.
The company is investing in new technologies.
Typical collocations
In a business context, 'Unternehmen' (company) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are: 'ein Unternehmen gründen' (to found/start a company), 'ein Unternehmen leiten' (to run a company), or 'für ein Unternehmen arbeiten' (to work for a company).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium möchte er ein eigenes Unternehmen gründen.
After university, he wants to start his own company.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'Vorhaben' (undertaking/project), the word 'Unternehmen' is often used in a somewhat more formal or narrative style. It usually describes a larger, planned action.
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungsaktion war ein schwieriges Unternehmen.
The rescue operation was a difficult undertaking.
Compare with
GesellschafthandelnFirmaProjektBetriebBusinessvorhabenKonzernGewerbeergreifenUnternehmungUnterfangenCompagnie
Unternehmen vs Gesellschaft
society / company
Both das Unternehmen and die Gesellschaft can refer to an economically active organization. Unternehmen puts the economic organization at the center, while Gesellschaft can also emphasize an economic association of people. Use Unternehmen for the organization in general and Gesellschaft when the association is the focus.
Unternehmen
Das Unternehmen produziert Möbel und beschäftigt fünfzig Personen.
The company produces furniture and employs fifty people.
Gesellschaft
Drei Fachleute gründeten eine Gesellschaft, die Möbel produziert.
Three experts founded a company that produces furniture.
In real life
Loading video examples...