die  Veräußerung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈʔɔɪ̯sɐʊŋ/

📜 What Exactly is a Veräußerung?

Die Veräußerung (feminine, article: die) refers to the process of transferring ownership of a thing (e.g., Immobilie - real estate, Unternehmensteil - part of a company, Wertpapiere - securities) or a right to another person, either for payment or free of charge. It is a central term in Zivilrecht (civil law) and Handelsrecht (commercial law).

Essentially, it involves the Verkauf (sale), Schenkung (donation/gift), or other transfer of ownership or rights. Die Veräußerung is the umbrella term for various types of ownership transfer.

⚠️ Attention: Not every handover of an item constitutes a Veräußerung in the legal sense (e.g., Vermietung - renting/leasing).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Veräußerung

The word "Veräußerung" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.

Declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Veräußerung des Grundstücks muss notariell beurkundet werden.
   (The sale/disposal of the property must be notarized.)
2. Steuerliche Aspekte sind bei der Veräußerung von Unternehmensanteilen zu beachten.
   (Tax aspects must be considered in the alienation/sale of company shares.)
3. Der Gewinn aus der Veräußerung der Aktien war unerwartet hoch.
   (The profit from the sale of the shares was unexpectedly high.)
4. Es gab mehrere Veräußerungen von Betriebsteilen im letzten Geschäftsjahr.
   (There were several disposals/sales of business units in the last fiscal year.)

💡 Application and Context

The term die Veräußerung is primarily used in formal contexts, especially legal and economic ones.

• Immobilien (Real Estate): The purchase, sale, or gifting of land and buildings is referred to as their Veräußerung.
• Unternehmen (Companies): The transfer of business shares, entire companies, or parts of companies is a Veräußerung.
• Wertpapiere (Securities): The sale of stocks or bonds is called Veräußerung.
• Rechte (Rights): The transfer of licenses or patents can also be a Veräußerung.

Distinction from "Verkauf" (Sale): While Verkauf specifically means the transfer in exchange for money, Veräußerung is the broader term that also includes transfers free of charge (Schenkungen - gifts). In everyday language, Verkauf is often used, but in legal or financial documents, Veräußerung is more precise and common.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article: Nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine (die). Think of common examples like die Rechnung (the bill), die Wohnung (the apartment)... and therefore, die Veräußerung.

For the Meaning: "Ver-äußer-ung" sounds a bit like giving something to the "outer" world, moving it outside your possession. You're getting rid of it, transferring it.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Veräußerung

Similar, potentially misleading words:

• Äußerung: (Statement, utterance, remark) Has nothing to do with property.
• Entäußerung: (Externalization, kenosis) A philosophical/theological term (self-emptying of God), rarely used in everyday life.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie das Auto veräußert, das Ihnen gar nicht gehörte?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Herr Richter, was sollte ich denn sonst damit machen?"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "Why did you sell/dispose of the car that didn't even belong to you?"
The defendant replies: "Your Honor, what else was I supposed to do with it?"

✒️ A Short Poem

Das Haus am See, ein alter Traum,
doch nun braucht's neuen Lebensraum.
Schwer fällt der Abschied, doch es muss sein,
die Veräußerung bringt Geld herein.
Ein neuer Eigner freut sich nun,
es gibt für Altes neu zu tun.

Translation:
The house by the lake, an old dream,
but now it needs new living space.
Saying goodbye is hard, but it must be done,
the sale/disposal brings money in.
A new owner is happy now,
there's new work for old things to undergo.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin ein Akt, mal schwer, mal leicht,
wodurch Besitz die Seiten weicht.
Mal für Geld, mal als Geschenk,
ich änd're, wem gehört's, bedenkt!
Im Recht und Handel wichtig sehr,
was bin ich? Löst es, bitte sehr!

Translation:
I am an act, sometimes hard, sometimes light,
through which possession changes sides.
Sometimes for money, sometimes as a gift,
I change who owns it, consider this!
Very important in law and trade,
what am I? Solve it, please!

Solution: Die Veräußerung (The sale/disposal/alienation)

ℹ️ More Information

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Veräußerung" is a noun derived from the verb "veräußern" (to sell, dispose of, alienate). It consists of:

• Prefix "ver-" (often indicating change or giving away)
• Stem "äußer" (from "außen" - outside)
• Suffix "-ung" (forms feminine nouns from verbs, indicating a process or result)

Contextual Nuances: The term often carries a formal, sometimes bureaucratic or legal connotation. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use "verkaufen" (to sell) or "weggeben" (to give away).