to sell
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to sell
To sell something, usually something of greater value such as real estate, shares, or a company. This is a formal, often legal term.
Aus finanziellen Gründen musste er sein Unternehmen veräußern.
For financial reasons, he had to sell his company.
to express oneself
To express one's opinion or make a statement about a topic. This use is very formal and rare.
Zu den Vorwürfen wollte sich der Angeklagte nicht weiter veräußern.
The defendant did not want to express himself further about the accusations.
The verb is derived from 'außer' (outside). To 'veräußern' (to sell/dispose of) something literally means to bring it 'outside' one's own possession. This helps explain the meaning of formally giving up or selling something.
Er musste seine wertvolle Uhrensammlung veräußern.
He had to sell his valuable watch collection.
This word belongs to formal language and is used mainly in legal or business contexts. In everyday language, you would say 'verkaufen' (to sell).
Im Testament wurde festgelegt, wie das Vermögen zu veräußern ist.
The will specified how the assets are to be sold.
'Veräußern' (to sell/dispose of) is typically used for the sale of things with high value or legal significance. Common objects are real estate, plots of land, company shares, or entire companies.
Die Erben beschlossen, das geerbte Grundstück zu veräußern.
The heirs decided to sell the inherited plot of land.
In the rare meaning 'seine Meinung äußern' (to express one's opinion), the verb is reflexive ('sich veräußern' = to express oneself) and is often combined with the preposition 'zu' (about/on). This use is extremely formal and is found almost only in written language.
Der Minister wollte sich nicht zu den Gerüchten veräußern.
The minister did not want to express himself about the rumors.
to sell
Verkaufen and veräußern both refer to handing something over in exchange for money. Verkaufen is the usual word in everyday language, while veräußern sounds much more formal and is used especially for valuable things such as real estate, shares, or companies. In conversation, verkaufen is usually appropriate; in a formal text, veräußern may be more suitable.
Die Gesellschaft veräußert ihre Anteile an einen neuen Investor.
The company is selling its shares to a new investor.
Die Familie verkauft ihr altes Haus an eine junge Käuferin.
The family is selling its old house to a young woman.
