die  Akquisition

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/akviziˈt͡si̯oːn/

🎯 What does 'die Akquisition' mean?

Die Akquisition (noun, feminine) refers to the process of acquiring or obtaining something. The term is primarily used in economic contexts but also has more general meanings:

• Company Acquisition: The most common meaning in business is the purchase or takeover of a company or parts of a company by another company. Often synonymous with 'Übernahme' (takeover).
• Customer Acquisition: In sales and marketing, Akquisition refers to gaining new customers (Neukundenakquisition) or orders.
• Procurement/Obtainment: More generally, it can also mean the acquisition of goods, data (Datenakquisition), or knowledge.

🚨 Attention: Although 'Akquisition' and 'Übernahme' are often used synonymously, 'Akquisition' can imply a friendlier process, whereas 'Übernahme' can also be hostile.

🧐 Grammatical Deep Dive: Die Akquisition

The word 'Akquisition' is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Akquisition des Start-ups war ein strategischer Schritt.
   (The acquisition of the start-up was a strategic move.)
2. Unser Vertriebsteam konzentriert sich diesen Monat auf die Akquisition von Neukunden.
   (Our sales team is focusing on the acquisition of new customers this month.)
3. Die Akquisition von Marktanteilen ist unser Hauptziel.
   (The acquisition of market share is our main goal.)
4. Nach langen Verhandlungen wurde die Akquisition erfolgreich abgeschlossen.
   (After long negotiations, the acquisition was successfully completed.)

💡 Usage Notes: When and how to use 'Akquisition'?

The term die Akquisition is mainly found in the business world and marketing.

• Context: Business news, company reports, sales strategies, marketing plans, finance.
• Typical Phrases:
  • Neukundenakquisition: New customer acquisition.
  • Akquisition und Fusion (M&A): Mergers and Acquisitions.
  • Strategische Akquisition: Strategic acquisition (e.g., for market entry, technology access).
  • Feindliche Akquisition/Übernahme: Hostile takeover.
  • Datenakquisition: Data acquisition.
• Distinction: While 'Übernahme' (takeover) is often synonymous, 'Akquisition' can sound more neutral or positive. 'Beschaffung' (procurement) is more general and often refers to goods or information. 'Erwerb' (acquisition, purchase) is a very general term for gaining ownership.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Akquisition'

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -tion are feminine (die). Think of: die Station, die Nation, die Produktion... and therefore also die Akquisition. They all share die same ending!

Meaning Mnemonic: An acquisition sounds like 'acquire-action'. It's the action of acquiring something, like a company, customers, or data.

🔄 Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

Risk of Confusion?

Be aware of the word Akquise, which is often used synonymously with customer or contract acquisition, sometimes as a short form. Its meaning is very close to 'Akquisition' in the sense of winning customers.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Vertriebsmitarbeiter: "Na, wie läuft die Akquisition?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Super! Ich habe heute schon drei Absagen akquiriert!"

(The boss asks the new salesperson: "So, how is the acquisition going?"
The employee replies: "Great! I've already acquired three rejections today!")

✍️ Poem about Acquisition

Die Akquisition

Ein Plan entsteht, ein Ziel wird klar, (A plan arises, a goal becomes clear,)
Ein Marktsegment, so wunderbar. (A market segment, so wonderful.)
Man prüft die Zahlen, Tag und Nacht, (They check the numbers, day and night,)
Hat an die Zukunft fest gedacht. (Have thought firmly of the future.)

Dann kommt der Schritt, der große Kauf, (Then comes the step, the big purchase,)
Ein neues Kapitel nimmt seinen Lauf. (A new chapter takes its course.)
Die Akquisition, mit Bedacht, (The acquisition, done with care,)
Hat neue Stärke uns gebracht. (Has brought us new strength.)

Ob Kunden oder Kompetenz, (Whether customers or competence,)
Man wächst und zeigt Präsenz. (One grows and shows presence.)
So wird erworben, Stück für Stück, (Thus is acquired, piece by piece,)
Zum unternehmerischen Glück. (Towards entrepreneurial fortune.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Kauf, doch oft ganz groß,
Betreff' oft Firmen, gnadenlos.
Im Marketing will man mich für Kunden,
Hab' neue Chancen oft gefunden.
Mal freundlich, mal als Übernahme,
Wie ist mein wirtschaftlicher Name?

(I am a purchase, but often very large,
Often concern companies, relentlessly.
In marketing, they want me for customers,
I have often found new opportunities.
Sometimes friendly, sometimes as a takeover,
What is my economic name?)

Solution: die Akquisition

🤓 Trivia

• Word Origin: The word 'Akquisition' comes from the Latin verb acquirere, meaning 'to acquire', 'to gain in addition'. The corresponding noun is acquisitio ('acquisition').
• Related Professions: An Akquisiteur (m) or Akquisiteurin (f) is someone who professionally engages in Akquise, meaning they solicit orders or acquire customers.
• Internationality: The term is used similarly internationally (Eng. acquisition, Fr. acquisition).