Meaning
To accept a specific function or part in a project or situation.
Cultural Background
In German companies, 'Rollenklarheit' (role clarity) is essential. People prefer to know exactly what their 'Rolle' is to avoid overlapping with others. Austrians might use the word 'Posten' (post/position) more frequently in political or official contexts, but 'Rolle übernehmen' remains standard for functional tasks. In Swiss direct democracy, citizens often 'übernehmen eine Rolle' in local commissions or 'Milizsystem' (militia system) tasks outside their main job. There is a superstition in German theater that if you 'übernimmst' a role from someone who had an accident, you must spit over your left shoulder for luck.
Use in Interviews
Using this phrase in a job interview makes you sound proactive and aware of team dynamics.
Inseparable Verb
Never say 'Ich nehme die Rolle über'. It marks you immediately as a beginner.
Meaning
To accept a specific function or part in a project or situation.
Use in Interviews
Using this phrase in a job interview makes you sound proactive and aware of team dynamics.
Inseparable Verb
Never say 'Ich nehme die Rolle über'. It marks you immediately as a beginner.
The 'Mediator' Role
In German culture, taking the role of a 'Mediator' is highly respected in conflicts.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'übernehmen' and the article for 'Rolle'.
Gestern ______ ich {die|f} ______ des Moderators in der Sitzung.
In the past (Präteritum), it is 'übernahm'. The article is 'die'.
Which sentence is correct?
A: Er hat die Rolle geübernommen. B: Er hat die Rolle übernommen. C: Er hat die Rolle übergenommen.
Inseparable verbs like 'übernehmen' do not take 'ge-' in the Perfekt.
Match the role to the situation.
1. Theater, 2. Büro, 3. Streit. A. Mediator, B. Hauptdarsteller, C. Projektleiter
A Hauptdarsteller is in theater, a Projektleiter is in an office, and a Mediator helps with conflicts.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Wir brauchen jemanden, der das Protokoll schreibt. B: Okay, ich ______ diese ______.
'Übernehme Rolle' is the most professional way to accept a function.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern ______ ich {die|f} ______ des Moderators in der Sitzung.
In the past (Präteritum), it is 'übernahm'. The article is 'die'.
A: Er hat die Rolle geübernommen. B: Er hat die Rolle übernommen. C: Er hat die Rolle übergenommen.
Inseparable verbs like 'übernehmen' do not take 'ge-' in the Perfekt.
1. Theater, 2. Büro, 3. Streit. A. Mediator, B. Hauptdarsteller, C. Projektleiter
A Hauptdarsteller is in theater, a Projektleiter is in an office, and a Mediator helps with conflicts.
A: Wir brauchen jemanden, der das Protokoll schreibt. B: Okay, ich ______ diese ______.
'Übernehme Rolle' is the most professional way to accept a function.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, you can 'Verantwortung übernehmen' or 'Aufgaben übernehmen'. It always means taking charge of something.
It is always '{die|f} Rolle' (feminine).
'Akzeptieren' is just saying yes. 'Übernehmen' is the actual act of taking the responsibility and starting the work.
Yes, e.g., 'Die Firma übernimmt eine Vorreiterrolle am Markt' (The company takes a pioneering role).
Yes, very often for captains or specific tactical positions.
Use 'Ich habe {die|f} Rolle übernommen' (Perfekt) or 'Ich übernahm {die|f} Rolle' (Präteritum).
Yes, like 'die Rolle des Sündenbocks übernehmen' (to take the role of the scapegoat).
'Einnehmen' is more about occupying a space or position that already exists, while 'übernehmen' is the act of taking it from someone or accepting it.
A little bit. With friends, you might just say 'Ich mach das'. Using 'Rolle' adds a bit of structure or humor.
It is the noun for 'distribution of roles' in a group.
Yes: 'Ich übernehme {die|f} Rolle von Peter.'
Constantly. Politicians 'übernehmen Rollen' in committees or international relations.
Related Phrases
eine Rolle spielen
similarTo be important or to act.
Verantwortung tragen
builds onTo bear responsibility.
in jemandes Fußstapfen treten
similarTo follow in someone's footsteps.
ein Amt bekleiden
specialized formTo hold an office.
die Initiative ergreifen
similarTo take the initiative.
