merger / reunification
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merger / integration
The process in which separate people, groups, organizations, or even data are brought back together into one unit.
Die Zusammenführung der beiden Unternehmen zu einem Konzern war eine große Herausforderung.
The merger of the two companies into one corporation was a major challenge.
'Zusammenführung' (merger/reunification) is a noun derived from the separable verb 'zusammenführen' (to bring together). It consists of 'zusammen' (together) and 'führen' (to lead/guide). The ending '-ung' makes it a feminine noun that describes the process or result.
Die Zusammenführung der beiden Datensätze war kompliziert.
The merging of the two data sets was complicated.
To say what is being brought together, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' with the dative. Both forms are correct and common.
Die Zusammenführung der verfeindeten Familien war ein Erfolg.
The reunification of the hostile families was a success.
In the general sense, the word is often used in an economic or organizational context. Typical combinations are 'die Zusammenführung von Abteilungen' (the merging of departments), 'von Unternehmen' (of companies), or 'von Daten' (of data).
Nach der Zusammenführung der Abteilungen gab es neue Arbeitsabläufe.
After the merger of the departments, there were new workflows.
In the context of families that have been separated, people almost always speak of 'Familienzusammenführung' (family reunification). This is a fixed term, especially in legal and social contexts.
Er hat einen Antrag auf Familienzusammenführung gestellt.
He submitted an application for family reunification.
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'die Zusammenführung' both have to do with separate things or people coming together. 'die Verbindung' describes more the contact, the relationship, or the state of being connected. 'die Zusammenführung' focuses more on the process: separate people, groups, organizations, or data are brought together into one unit. Learners may confuse the words because a connection is often created in the end. If you mean the process, 'Zusammenführung' fits better; if you mean the existing contact or relationship, 'Verbindung' fits better.
Die Behörde prüft die Zusammenführung der Familie im Sommer.
The authorities are reviewing the family's reunification in the summer.
Beim Termin hat meine Nachbarin eine Verbindung zu einem neuen Kursanbieter bekommen.
At the appointment, my neighbor got a connection to a new course provider.