unternehmt

Unternehmt is a German verb form derived from unternehmen. It functions as the present tense form for the second-person plural (ihr unternehmt) and also as the imperative mood when addressing a group (Unternehmt!). In meaning, it corresponds to the English verb “to undertake,” “to embark on,” or “to undertake an action or project.”

The verb unternehmen comes from the prefix unter- combined with nehmen (to take). In everyday use, it describes taking action, starting a task, or engaging in a venture. The related noun Unternehmen means “enterprise” or “company” when capitalized, while Unternehmung (also a noun) can refer more generally to an undertaking or venture. The difference in capitalization reflects distinct senses: Unternehmen as a business entity, and unternehmen as the verb.

Usage notes and examples illustrate its two main functions. As a finite verb with ihr, it appears as in „Ihr unternehmt heute eine Reise.“ In subordinate clauses or with objects, you can say „Wenn ihr etwas unternehmt, könnt ihr neue Erfahrungen sammeln.“ In its imperative sense, it is used to urge a group to act: „Unternehmt etwas gegen das Problem!“ The verb is common in both everyday conversation and formal writing when describing planned actions or urging others to begin a course of action.