German word

unternehmen

Pronunciation

IPA/ʊntɐˈneːmən/

Meaning

  • verbdo

Example

Wir unternehmen heute eine kleine Wanderung.

We're going on a short hike today.

Illustration for unternehmen (do)

More examples

Wenn das Problem ernst ist, müssen wir sofort Maßnahmen unternehmen.

If the problem is serious, we must take immediate action.

Core concept

Someone turns a plan into a purposeful activity, such as an outing, project, or other effortful attempt.

Common phrases

  • etwas unternehmen

    do something

  • am Wochenende etwas unternehmen

    do something at the weekend

Similar words

machen: Perform an activity or task to achieve a result.
tun: Do something in a simple, everyday, informal sense.
durchführen: Complete a defined plan, task, or procedure by following its steps.
organisieren: Make the preparations and arrangements needed for an activity to proceed smoothly.

Definition in German

etwas in Angriff nehmen oder versuchen, meist mit geplantem Aufwand

Word origin

The compound verb unternehmen comes from the older combination of unter- and nehmen, referring to taking an undertaking upon oneself.

Usage tips

  • The noun das Unternehmen can mean either a company or an undertaking, while the verb unternehmen keeps the sense of taking on an activity.

Other meanings

  • attemptverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word