undertaking / enterprise
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undertaking
A planned action, project, or activity that is often connected with a certain amount of effort or risk.
Die Expedition zum Nordpol war eine gefährliche Unternehmung.
The expedition to the North Pole was a dangerous undertaking.
'Die Unternehmung' (the undertaking/enterprise) is the nominalization of the verb 'unternehmen' (to undertake). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes either the action itself or the result.
Wir planen eine gemeinsame Unternehmung am Wochenende.
We are planning a joint activity for the weekend.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about an activity or project, it means 'Vorhaben' (undertaking/project). If it is about an economic organization run by someone, it means 'Firma' (company).
Die Besteigung des Berges war eine anstrengende Unternehmung.
Climbing the mountain was a strenuous undertaking.
When it refers to an undertaking, 'Unternehmung' is often combined with adjectives that describe risk or adventure, such as 'gewagt' (daring), 'riskant' (risky), 'kühn' (bold), or 'spannend' (exciting).
Seine Weltreise mit dem Fahrrad war eine kühne Unternehmung.
His trip around the world by bicycle was a bold undertaking.
In the meaning of 'Firma' (company), 'Unternehmung' is used less often and can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned. It is more typical of written language, especially in legal or economic texts.
Die rechtlichen Dokumente der Unternehmung sind vollständig.
The legal documents of the enterprise are complete.
company / undertaking
'das Unternehmen' and 'die Unternehmung' are closely related, but they do not always sound equally natural. Both can refer to an economic organization; for that, 'Unternehmen' is much more common today. 'Unternehmung' can also mean a planned undertaking or action, especially when some effort or risk is involved. In this meaning, it is closer to 'Unternehmen' as an undertaking. Learners may confuse the words because they look almost the same. In everyday language, people almost always say 'Unternehmen' for a company. 'Unternehmung' fits better for an undertaking and sounds somewhat more formal or elevated.
Die Wanderung bei Schnee war eine anstrengende Unternehmung.
The hike in the snow was a strenuous undertaking.
Meine Mutter leitet ein kleines Unternehmen in der Innenstadt.
My mother runs a small company downtown.