übernehmen
/yːbɐˈneːmən/To take over responsibility for something, often a task, position, or role.
Sie hat die Leitung des Teams übernommen.
She took over the leadership of the team.
Commonly used in business and professional contexts.
To assume responsibility for a debt or obligation.
Die Bank hat die Schulden des Unternehmens übernommen.
The bank took over the company's debts.
Often used in financial or legal contexts.
To adopt or inherit something, such as a tradition or characteristic.
Er hat die Gewohnheit seines Vaters übernommen.
He adopted his father's habit.
Can be used in both literal and figurative senses.
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💡Pro Tip
Separable vs. Inseparable
While 'übernehmen' is generally inseparable, some contexts allow separation, such as 'Ich nehme das Projekt über.'
⚡Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal contexts, 'übernehmen' is preferred over colloquial alternatives like 'an sich nehmen'.
📖Word Origin
From Middle High German 'übernemen', from 'über-' (over) + 'nemen' (to take).
📝Usage Notes
The verb 'übernehmen' is separable in some contexts (e.g., 'Ich nehme das Projekt über'), but the inseparable form is more common.