die  Zusammenlegung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsuːzamənˌleːɡʊŋ/

🤝 What does "die Zusammenlegung" mean?

Die Zusammenlegung is a feminine noun (Nomen) and refers to the process or result of combining or unifying two or more previously separate things, organizations, departments, or units into a single entity.

It derives from the verb zusammenlegen (to put together, to merge).

Main meanings include:

• Merger / Unification: The joining of companies, organizations, or groups. (Die Fusion / Die Vereinigung)
• Consolidation: The combination of parts, data, resources, or even debts. (Die Konsolidierung)
• Amalgamation / Combination: A general term for joining elements. (Der Zusammenschluss)

It's a typical word used in the fields of business, administration, and organization.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar of "die Zusammenlegung" in Detail

The word "Zusammenlegung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is die. Like most nouns ending in -ung, it is feminine.

Example Sentences 📜

1. Die Zusammenlegung der beiden Abteilungen wurde beschlossen. (The merger of the two departments was decided.)
2. Man diskutierte lange über die Vor- und Nachteile der Zusammenlegung. (They discussed the pros and cons of the merger for a long time.)
3. Viele Mitarbeiter stehen der Zusammenlegung kritisch gegenüber. (Many employees are critical of the merger.)
4. Der Vorstand plant die Zusammenlegung für das nächste Quartal. (The board is planning the merger for the next quarter.)
5. Es gab mehrere Zusammenlegungen von Schulen in der Region. (There were several consolidations of schools in the region.)

Context and Usage: How is "Zusammenlegung" applied?

Die Zusammenlegung is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially when discussing organizational, economic, or administrative processes.

• Business: Merger of companies (Unternehmenszusammenlegung), consolidation of business units.
• Administration: Combining offices, authorities, municipalities (Gemeindezusammenlegung), or departments.
• Organization: Unifying teams, projects, or resources.
• Data Processing: Consolidation of databases or datasets.
• Finance: Consolidation of loans or accounts.

In everyday language, people might more often use Vereinigung (unification), Fusion (merger, for companies), or simply the verb zusammenlegen (to merge, put together). "Zusammenlegung" sounds a bit more formal and bureaucratic.

⚠️ Avoid confusing it with the simple act of putting physical objects aside or storing them together in daily life, although the verb zusammenlegen can also mean that. The noun "Zusammenlegung" usually implies a structural or organizational consolidation.

💡 Mnemonics for "die Zusammenlegung"

Article Mnemonic: The ending "-ung" almost always makes nouns feminine in German. Think of other "-ung" words like die Rechnung (the bill), die Lösung (the solution), die Planung (the planning). So: die Zusammenlegung, just like die Vereinigung (unification) or die Fusion (merger - which is also feminine, though not ending in -ung!).

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine taking two stacks of paper (or two companies 😉) and putting them zusammen (together) by legen (laying/putting) them in one pile. That's the core idea of a Zusammenlegung – something separate becomes one unit.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Similar Sounding Words (Caution!)

• Zusammenballung: An agglomeration or concentration, often disorderly. Not the same as an organized Zusammenlegung.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef: "Sind Sie für die sofortige Zusammenlegung der Marketing- und Vertriebsabteilung?"
Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Im Prinzip ja, aber nur, wenn wir dann auch die Kaffeemaschinen zusammenlegen! Die vom Marketing ist besser."

(Translation: The boss asks: "Are you in favor of the immediate merger of the marketing and sales departments?"
The employee says: "In principle, yes, but only if we also merge the coffee machines! Marketing's one is better.")

📜 A Poem about Merging

Zwei Wege, einst getrennt und klar,
Führten durch das Geschäftsjahr.
Doch der Plan, kühn und neu,
Machte aus den Zweien EINS, treu.
Die Zusammenlegung, Wort mit Macht,
Hat neue Einheit nun gebracht.
Ressourcen bündeln, Kräfte einen,
So soll die Zukunft neu erscheinen.

(Translation:
Two paths, once separate and clear,
Led through the business year.
But the plan, bold and new,
Made one out of the two, true.
The merger, word of might,
Has now brought new unity to light.
Bundle resources, unite forces,
Thus shall the future take new courses.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich mache aus zwei oder mehr oft eins,
Ob Firmen, Ämter oder deins und meins.
Man plant mich oft mit viel Bedacht,
Damit am Ende alles besser klappt.
Effizienz ist meist mein Ziel,
Auch wenn es manchem nicht gefiel.

Was bin ich?

(Translation:
I often make one out of two or more,
Be it companies, offices, or yours and yours before.
I'm often planned with careful thought,
So that in the end, things work as they ought.
Efficiency is usually my aim,
Even if some don't like the game.

What am I?)

(... Die Zusammenlegung / The merger/consolidation)

✨ Other Information

Word Formation (Etymology):

The word "Zusammenlegung" is a noun derived from the verb zusammenlegen (to put together, merge). The structure is:

• zusammen (adverb/prefix: together, jointly)
• legen (verb: to lay, put, place)
• -ung (suffix: used to form feminine nouns denoting a process or result)

Trivia:

The term "Zusammenlegung" is frequently used in news reports and official documents when discussing restructuring in the economy or public sector. It can evoke positive associations (increased efficiency, synergies) but also negative ones (job cuts, loss of identity).