At the A1 level, 'gekauft' is introduced as one of the most essential vocabulary words for basic survival and communication in a German-speaking environment. Beginners learn 'gekauft' primarily as the past participle of the verb 'kaufen' (to buy). The focus is entirely on constructing simple sentences in the Perfekt (present perfect) tense to talk about recent actions. At this stage, learners are taught the rigid formula: Subject + 'haben' (conjugated) + Object + 'gekauft'. For example, 'Ich habe ein Buch gekauft' (I bought a book) or 'Er hat einen Apfel gekauft' (He bought an apple). The grammatical complexity is kept to a minimum. Students are not yet burdened with adjective declensions or passive voice. The primary goal is to enable learners to express basic consumer activities, such as shopping for food, clothing, or tickets. Vocabulary exercises at this level often pair 'gekauft' with common everyday nouns (Brot, Wasser, Schuhe, Ticket). Understanding that 'gekauft' goes at the very end of the sentence is the main syntactic hurdle. Teachers emphasize that unlike English, where the verb and participle stay together ('have bought'), German splits them apart. Mastering this 'sentence bracket' with 'gekauft' builds a crucial foundation for all future German learning. It is a high-frequency word that gives beginners an immediate sense of accomplishment, allowing them to recount their day ('Was hast du heute gemacht?' - 'Ich habe Brot gekauft').
Moving into the A2 level, the usage of 'gekauft' expands significantly as learners begin to construct more complex sentences and engage in broader conversational topics. While the Perfekt tense remains the primary vehicle for 'gekauft', A2 learners are introduced to coordinating and subordinating conjunctions, which alter sentence structure. They learn to say things like, 'Ich habe das Hemd gekauft, weil es billig war' (I bought the shirt because it was cheap) or 'Er hat ein Auto gekauft und er fährt nach Berlin' (He bought a car and he is driving to Berlin). The vocabulary surrounding 'gekauft' also broadens to include shopping environments (im Supermarkt, in der Bäckerei, im Kaufhaus) and expressions of price and opinion (teuer, billig, schön). Furthermore, A2 learners start to encounter 'gekauft' as a simple attributive adjective in very basic contexts, though full mastery of declension is not yet expected. They might recognize phrases like 'das gekaufte Brot' in reading texts. The distinction between 'kaufen' (to buy a specific item) and 'einkaufen' (to go grocery shopping) is heavily emphasized at this level to prevent common semantic errors. Learners practice dialogues involving returning items to a store, asking for receipts, and discussing past purchases with friends, making 'gekauft' a central pillar of their growing communicative competence.
At the B1 level, 'gekauft' transitions from a simple verb component to a multifaceted grammatical tool. This is the stage where learners must master its use as an attributive adjective, requiring a solid understanding of German adjective declension. B1 students learn to seamlessly integrate 'gekauft' before nouns, applying strong, weak, or mixed endings depending on the article and case. For example, they must distinguish between 'der neu gekaufte Wagen' (nominative), 'mit dem neu gekauften Wagen' (dative), and 'ein neu gekauftes Haus' (accusative/nominative neuter). This adjectival use allows for much more descriptive and concise language. Additionally, B1 introduces the passive voice. Learners are taught to shift the focus from the buyer to the object using 'werden' + 'gekauft'. Sentences like 'Das Haus wird gekauft' (The house is being bought) or 'Die Tickets wurden gestern gekauft' (The tickets were bought yesterday) become part of their active repertoire. The Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) is also introduced, allowing learners to sequence past events: 'Nachdem ich das Auto gekauft hatte, fuhr ich nach Hause' (After I had bought the car, I drove home). Idiomatic uses, such as the exclamation 'Gekauft!' to mean 'Deal!', are also introduced to make their spoken German sound more natural and native-like.
In the B2 level, the focus shifts from basic grammatical mechanics to stylistic nuance, precision, and complex sentence integration. While B2 learners are expected to use 'gekauft' flawlessly in perfect tenses, passive voice, and as a declined adjective, they are now challenged to understand its limitations and explore synonyms. They learn when to replace 'gekauft' with more elevated terms like 'erworben' (acquired) in formal or academic contexts, or 'angeschafft' (procured) when discussing significant investments. Nominalization becomes a key skill; learners use 'das Gekaufte' (the purchased items) to write more sophisticated texts. 'Sie packte das Gekaufte in den Kofferraum' (She packed the purchased items into the trunk). B2 learners also encounter 'gekauft' in complex participial constructions (Partizipialattribute), which are common in written German. Instead of a relative clause ('Das Auto, das gestern gekauft wurde...'), they learn to use extended adjective phrases: 'Das gestern von meinem Vater gekaufte Auto...' (The car bought yesterday by my father...). This requires high-level syntactic control. Furthermore, 'gekauft' is discussed in abstract contexts, such as 'gekaufte Bewertungen' (bought/fake reviews) or 'gekaufte Politiker' (corrupt politicians), expanding the word's semantic range into ethics, media, and politics.
At the C1 level, learners possess near-native fluency, and their interaction with 'gekauft' is highly sophisticated. The word is no longer just about shopping; it is a tool for expressing complex, abstract, and often critical ideas. C1 learners engage with texts discussing economics, consumerism, and societal trends where 'gekauft' plays a central role. They easily navigate compound nouns and adjectives like 'dazugekauft' (bought in addition) or 'freigekauft' (ransomed/bought free). The metaphorical and idiomatic uses of 'gekauft' are fully integrated into their vocabulary. For instance, they understand the phrase 'etwas ist nicht mit Geld zu bezahlen' in contrast to things that are simply 'gekauft'. They use 'Gekauft!' effortlessly in negotiations to signal agreement. In academic and professional writing, C1 learners know exactly when 'gekauft' is appropriate and when a more precise term like 'akquiriert' (acquired, in a corporate sense) or 'ersteigert' (bought at auction) is required. They can analyze literature or news articles where the concept of being 'gekauft' implies bribery or a loss of integrity ('ein gekaufter Journalist'). The grammatical execution of 'gekauft' in any tense, mood (including Konjunktiv I and II), or complex syntactic structure is automatic and error-free.
At the C2 level, the mastery of 'gekauft' is absolute, reflecting the competence of a highly educated native speaker. C2 learners understand the deepest etymological roots and the most subtle cultural connotations of the word. They can play with the language, using 'gekauft' in creative, ironic, or poetic ways. They are fully aware of regional variations and historical shifts in how commerce and acquisition are discussed in German. In legal or highly specialized financial texts, they can parse the exact legal definition of a 'gekaufter Gegenstand' versus other forms of property transfer. They can effortlessly deploy 'gekauft' in the most complex German sentence structures, such as nested passive constructions with modal verbs in the subjunctive mood: 'Das Haus hätte eigentlich nicht gekauft werden dürfen' (The house actually shouldn't have been allowed to be bought). At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'gekauft' is merely one brush in a vast linguistic palette, used with absolute precision to convey exact shades of meaning regarding ownership, transaction, corruption, agreement, and consumer behavior in the German-speaking world.

gekauft 30 सेकंड में

  • Past participle of 'kaufen'.
  • Used with 'haben' for past tense.
  • Can be used as an adjective.
  • Means 'bought' or 'purchased'.
The German word 'gekauft' is the past participle of the verb 'kaufen', which translates to 'to buy' or 'to purchase' in English. However, its function in the German language extends far beyond simply indicating a completed transaction. As a CEFR B1 level word, understanding 'gekauft' requires a deep dive into its dual role as both a verb component in the perfect tense and as a fully functional adjective. When used in the perfect tense, it is combined with the auxiliary verb 'haben' (to have). For example, 'Ich habe ein Auto gekauft' means 'I have bought a car'. This is the most common way to express past events in spoken German, making 'gekauft' an indispensable word for daily communication. But the true versatility of 'gekauft' shines when it is employed as an adjective. In German, past participles can be placed directly before a noun to describe its state, essentially acting as an adjective. When used this way, 'gekauft' must follow the standard rules of German adjective declension, which depend on the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies, as well as the article preceding it. For instance, 'der gekaufte Apfel' (the bought apple), 'ein gekauftes Buch' (a bought book), or 'die gekauften Schuhe' (the bought shoes). This adjectival use allows speakers to convey complex information efficiently.
Morphology
The word is formed by adding the prefix 'ge-' and the suffix '-t' to the verb stem 'kauf-'.
Furthermore, 'gekauft' carries specific semantic nuances. It implies a transfer of ownership in exchange for money, distinguishing it from words like 'gemietet' (rented) or 'geliehen' (borrowed). In modern consumer culture, the concept of 'gekauft' is omnipresent. From everyday grocery shopping to significant life investments like real estate, the word anchors conversations about acquisition and ownership.

Das ist ein neu gekauftes Auto.

Beyond literal transactions, 'gekauft' has also permeated idiomatic German. In informal settings, particularly in business or negotiations, saying 'Gekauft!' is equivalent to the English phrase 'Sold!' or 'It's a deal!'. It signifies enthusiastic agreement or acceptance of an offer, even if no actual money is changing hands. This metaphorical usage highlights the word's evolution from a strict economic term to a broader expression of consensus. Understanding these layers of meaning is crucial for B1 learners, as it bridges the gap between basic transactional vocabulary and more nuanced, native-like expression. The transition from recognizing 'gekauft' merely as 'bought' to utilizing it dynamically as an adjective and an interjection marks a significant milestone in German proficiency.
Syntax
In main clauses, the past participle 'gekauft' is typically placed at the very end of the sentence.

Wir haben gestern viele frische Lebensmittel gekauft.

Der gekaufte Artikel kann nicht zurückgegeben werden.

Semantics
Denotes permanent acquisition, contrasting with temporary states like leasing or renting.

Er hat die Firma gekauft.

Für 50 Euro? Gekauft!

To fully master 'gekauft', learners must practice integrating it into various sentence structures, paying close attention to word order and declension endings. This multifaceted utility makes 'gekauft' a cornerstone of intermediate German vocabulary, essential for both comprehension and active communication.
Mastering the usage of 'gekauft' involves understanding its grammatical flexibility and syntactical placement within German sentences. As a past participle, its primary function is to form the Perfekt (present perfect) and Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) tenses. In these constructions, 'gekauft' is paired with the auxiliary verb 'haben'. The cardinal rule of German sentence structure dictates that in a standard main clause, the conjugated auxiliary verb takes the second position, while the past participle 'gekauft' is relegated to the very end of the clause. For example, 'Ich habe gestern im Supermarkt frisches Brot gekauft' (I bought fresh bread at the supermarket yesterday). This 'sentence bracket' (Satzklammer) is a defining feature of German syntax and requires practice for non-native speakers to execute smoothly.
Perfect Tense
Used for spoken past: Subject + haben (conjugated) + Object + gekauft.
When moving to subordinate clauses, the syntax shifts. The conjugated auxiliary verb moves to the end of the sentence, immediately following 'gekauft'. For instance, 'Weil ich ein neues Auto gekauft habe, habe ich kein Geld mehr' (Because I bought a new car, I have no money left).

Ich weiß, dass er das Haus gekauft hat.

Beyond verb tenses, 'gekauft' is frequently utilized as an attributive adjective. In this role, it directly modifies a noun and must agree with it in gender, number, and case. This requires a solid grasp of German adjective declension rules. If preceded by a definite article, it takes weak endings: 'der gekaufte Computer' (nominative), 'den gekauften Computer' (accusative). If preceded by an indefinite article, it takes mixed endings: 'ein gekauftes Buch' (nominative/accusative). If there is no article, it takes strong endings: 'frisch gekaufte Milch' (freshly bought milk). Furthermore, 'gekauft' can function as a noun itself through nominalization. By capitalizing the word and adding the appropriate article, it becomes 'das Gekaufte' (that which was bought / the purchased items). For example, 'Er legte das Gekaufte auf den Tisch' (He put the purchased items on the table). This is a highly efficient way to refer to goods without listing them individually.
Nominalization
Capitalizing the adjective turns it into a neuter noun representing the items bought.

Sie hat das Gekaufte im Auto gelassen.

Another advanced usage involves the passive voice. 'Gekauft' is combined with the auxiliary verb 'werden' to form the passive. 'Das Haus wird gekauft' (The house is being bought) or 'Das Haus wurde gekauft' (The house was bought). This shifts the focus from the buyer to the object being purchased.

Die Tickets wurden bereits gekauft.

Passive Voice
Combines 'werden' + 'gekauft' to emphasize the action rather than the actor.

Wann wird das Grundstück gekauft?

Das Gemälde wurde von einem Sammler gekauft.

In summary, 'gekauft' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a structural pivot point. Whether anchoring the end of a perfect tense clause, taking on complex declension endings as an adjective, acting as a noun, or forming the passive voice, its correct usage is a strong indicator of grammatical competence in German.
The word 'gekauft' is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, echoing through a vast array of contexts ranging from casual daily interactions to formal business environments. Its most immediate and frequent application is, unsurprisingly, in the realm of retail and commerce. Whether you are navigating a bustling supermarket in Berlin, browsing a boutique in Vienna, or shopping online, 'gekauft' is the operative word for acquiring goods. You will hear it in customer service interactions: 'Haben Sie das hier gekauft?' (Did you buy this here?) when returning an item. It appears on receipts, in warranty documents, and in online shopping carts, often paired with terms like 'kürzlich gekauft' (recently purchased) or 'oft zusammen gekauft' (frequently bought together).
E-Commerce
A standard label on digital storefronts indicating items a user has already acquired.

Kunden, die diesen Artikel gekauft haben, kauften auch...

Beyond retail, 'gekauft' is a staple in everyday conversations among friends and family. People frequently discuss their recent acquisitions, share shopping advice, or compliment each other's belongings. 'Wo hast du das gekauft?' (Where did you buy that?) is a standard icebreaker or expression of admiration. In these informal settings, 'gekauft' helps build social connections through shared consumer experiences. The real estate and automotive markets also rely heavily on this word. Buying a house or a car are significant life events, and 'gekauft' carries the weight of these major investments. 'Wir haben endlich ein Haus gekauft' (We finally bought a house) is a milestone announcement. In legal and contractual contexts, the term is used to establish ownership and transfer rights, though it may sometimes be substituted with more formal synonyms like 'erworben' (acquired).
Real Estate
Used to denote the finalization of property acquisition.

Das Grundstück ist bereits gekauft.

Furthermore, 'gekauft' frequently appears in media and advertising. Commercials urge consumers to ensure their products are 'neu gekauft' (bought new) for maximum quality. News reports discussing economic trends, consumer spending, or corporate acquisitions will repeatedly use 'gekauft' to describe market activities. 'Das Start-up wurde von einem Tech-Giganten gekauft' (The start-up was bought by a tech giant).

Viele Aktien wurden heute gekauft.

Idiomatic Use
Used as an interjection to mean 'agreed' or 'deal'.
Interestingly, you will also hear 'gekauft' in negotiations or casual betting. As mentioned earlier, the exclamation 'Gekauft!' is a colloquial way of saying 'Deal!' or 'I accept your terms'. If someone proposes a plan—'Wir gehen erst essen und dann ins Kino' (We go eat first and then to the cinema)—the response 'Gekauft!' means the plan is enthusiastically accepted.

Machen wir es so? Gekauft!

Zehn Euro für das Buch? Gekauft!

In essence, 'gekauft' is a word that permeates every layer of German society, from the literal exchange of currency to the metaphorical exchange of agreements, making it a highly visible and frequently heard component of the language.
Despite its frequency, 'gekauft' presents several pitfalls for German learners, primarily due to grammatical complexities and subtle semantic distinctions. The most prevalent error among beginners is the incorrect choice of the auxiliary verb when forming the perfect tense. Because some common German verbs indicating motion or a change of state (like 'gehen', 'fahren', 'werden') use 'sein' (to be) as their auxiliary, learners sometimes mistakenly apply this to 'kaufen'. Saying 'Ich bin ein Auto gekauft' is grammatically incorrect and sounds jarring to a native speaker. The correct formulation is always 'Ich habe ein Auto gekauft', utilizing 'haben' (to have).
Auxiliary Verb Error
Using 'sein' instead of 'haben' for the perfect tense.

Falsch: Ich bin es gekauft. Richtig: Ich habe es gekauft.

Another major stumbling block occurs when 'gekauft' is used as an adjective. German adjective declension is notoriously difficult, and learners frequently apply the wrong endings. For example, a learner might say 'das gekauft Auto' instead of the correct 'das gekaufte Auto', omitting the necessary '-e' ending for a neuter noun in the nominative/accusative case with a definite article. Similarly, mixing up strong, weak, and mixed declensions leads to errors like 'ein gekauftes Buch' being incorrectly rendered as 'ein gekaufte Buch'.
Declension Error
Failing to match the adjective ending to the noun's gender, case, and article.

Die gekauften (not gekauft) Äpfel sind lecker.

Word order is another common casualty. In English, the past participle often follows the auxiliary verb closely ('I have bought a car'). In German main clauses, 'gekauft' must be pushed to the very end of the sentence. Learners often say 'Ich habe gekauft ein Auto', directly translating the English syntax, rather than the correct 'Ich habe ein Auto gekauft'. This violation of the 'Satzklammer' (sentence bracket) immediately marks the speaker as a learner.

Er hat gestern im Laden ein Buch gekauft.

Syntax Error
Placing the participle too early in the sentence.
Semantically, learners sometimes confuse 'gekauft' with 'verkauft' (sold) or 'eingekauft' (shopped/bought groceries). While 'kaufen' is the general act of buying, 'einkaufen' specifically refers to routine shopping, like buying groceries. Saying 'Ich habe ein Auto eingekauft' sounds comical, as one does not put a car in a shopping cart. Conversely, 'Ich habe Äpfel gekauft' is perfectly fine, but 'Ich war einkaufen' (I went shopping) is more natural when describing the general activity.

Ich habe es nicht gestohlen, ich habe es gekauft.

Er hat das Haus gekauft, nicht verkauft.

By being mindful of these common errors—auxiliary selection, adjective declension, sentence positioning, and semantic nuances—learners can significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of their German.
The German language offers a rich tapestry of vocabulary related to acquisition and commerce, providing several nuanced alternatives to the standard 'gekauft'. While 'gekauft' is the most direct translation of 'bought', understanding its synonyms and related terms allows for greater precision and stylistic variety, particularly as learners advance beyond the B1 level. One of the most common related terms is 'eingekauft', the past participle of 'einkaufen'. While 'kaufen' refers to the specific act of purchasing an item, 'einkaufen' refers to the broader activity of shopping, usually for daily necessities like groceries. You would say 'Ich habe ein Auto gekauft' (I bought a car), but 'Ich habe im Supermarkt eingekauft' (I shopped at the supermarket).
eingekauft
Refers to the general activity of shopping for routine items.

Wir haben für das Wochenende eingekauft.

For more formal or significant acquisitions, the word 'erworben' (past participle of 'erwerben') is frequently used. 'Erworben' translates to 'acquired' or 'purchased' and carries a tone of professionalism or legal weight. It is commonly found in business contexts, real estate, or when discussing the acquisition of skills and knowledge. 'Er hat das Grundstück erworben' sounds more elevated than 'Er hat das Grundstück gekauft'.
erworben
Formal term for acquired, often used for property, companies, or skills.

Sie hat viele neue Fähigkeiten erworben.

Another useful synonym is 'angeschafft' (past participle of 'anschaffen'). This word implies buying something substantial that is intended for long-term use, such as furniture, appliances, or equipment. It translates roughly to 'procured' or 'gotten'. 'Wir haben uns einen neuen Fernseher angeschafft' (We got ourselves a new TV) emphasizes the addition of a significant item to the household.

Die Firma hat neue Computer angeschafft.

In more colloquial settings, you might hear 'besorgt' (past participle of 'besorgen'), which means 'to get' or 'to procure', often implying a bit of effort. 'Ich habe die Tickets besorgt' means 'I got the tickets' (implying I went out of my way to buy them).
besorgt
Procured or gotten, focusing on the effort of obtaining rather than the financial transaction.

Hast du das Bier besorgt?

Ich habe ein Geschenk für sie besorgt.

By differentiating between 'gekauft', 'eingekauft', 'erworben', 'angeschafft', and 'besorgt', learners can elevate their German from functional to fluent, choosing the exact word that fits the context, formality, and nuance of the situation.

How Formal Is It?

कठिनाई स्तर

ज़रूरी व्याकरण

Das Perfekt (Present Perfect Tense)

Adjektivdeklination (Adjective Declension)

Das Passiv (Passive Voice)

Satzklammer (Sentence Bracket)

Partizipialattribute (Participial Attributes)

स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण

1

Ich habe ein Buch gekauft.

I bought a book.

Perfect tense: 'habe' + 'gekauft' at the end.

2

Hast du Brot gekauft?

Did you buy bread?

Question format in perfect tense.

3

Er hat ein Auto gekauft.

He bought a car.

Third person singular perfect tense.

4

Wir haben Wasser gekauft.

We bought water.

First person plural perfect tense.

5

Sie hat Schuhe gekauft.

She bought shoes.

Feminine singular perfect tense.

6

Wo hast du das gekauft?

Where did you buy that?

W-question in perfect tense.

7

Ich habe nichts gekauft.

I bought nothing.

Negation with 'nichts'.

8

Habt ihr Tickets gekauft?

Did you (plural) buy tickets?

Second person plural perfect tense.

1

Ich habe gestern im Supermarkt viel Obst gekauft.

I bought a lot of fruit at the supermarket yesterday.

Adding time (gestern) and place (im Supermarkt).

2

Weil es billig war, habe ich es gekauft.

Because it was cheap, I bought it.

Subordinate clause with 'weil'.

3

Das ist mein neu gekauftes Handy.

This is my newly bought cell phone.

Basic adjective use with mixed declension.

4

Er hat Blumen für seine Mutter gekauft.

He bought flowers for his mother.

Using 'für' + accusative.

5

Wir haben die Geschenke online gekauft.

We bought the gifts online.

Adverb 'online' modifying the action.

6

Hast du den Käse auf dem Markt gekauft?

Did you buy the cheese at the market?

Specific location 'auf dem Markt'.

7

Ich habe mir eine neue Jacke gekauft.

I bought myself a new jacket.

Reflexive dative 'mir'.

8

Sie hat das teure Kleid nicht gekauft.

She didn't buy the expensive dress.

Negation with 'nicht' placed before the participle.

1

Der gekaufte Computer funktioniert leider nicht.

Unfortunately, the bought computer doesn't work.

Adjective with weak declension (nominative masculine).

2

Ich bin mit dem gestern gekauften Auto sehr zufrieden.

I am very satisfied with the car bought yesterday.

Adjective with weak declension (dative neuter).

3

Das Haus wird nächstes Jahr von uns gekauft.

The house will be bought by us next year.

Passive voice with 'werden'.

4

Nachdem er das Ticket gekauft hatte, ging er zum Zug.

After he had bought the ticket, he went to the train.

Plusquamperfekt (past perfect) with 'hatte'.

5

Die online gekauften Schuhe passen mir nicht.

The shoes bought online don't fit me.

Adjective modifying a plural noun.

6

Zehn Euro für das Fahrrad? Gekauft!

Ten euros for the bike? Sold/Deal!

Idiomatic exclamation for agreement.

7

Er hat das Gekaufte auf den Küchentisch gelegt.

He put the purchased items on the kitchen table.

Nominalization of the adjective.

8

Wir hätten das Haus gekauft, wenn wir das Geld gehabt hätten.

We would have bought the house if we had had the money.

Konjunktiv II (Subjunctive II) for unreal past.

1

Das von der Firma gekaufte Grundstück liegt am Stadtrand.

The plot of land bought by the company is located on the outskirts of the city.

Extended participial attribute (Partizipialattribut).

2

Es gibt Gerüchte über gekaufte Rezensionen im Internet.

There are rumors about bought (fake) reviews on the internet.

Abstract/metaphorical use meaning 'bribed' or 'fake'.

3

Der Artikel gilt als gekauft, sobald die Zahlung eingegangen ist.

The item is considered bought as soon as the payment has been received.

Formal conditional structure.

4

Sie hat sich die Position im Vorstand quasi gekauft.

She practically bought her position on the board.

Metaphorical use implying unfair acquisition.

5

Die kürzlich gekauften Aktien haben an Wert verloren.

The recently bought stocks have lost value.

Adverb 'kürzlich' modifying the participle.

6

Ein einmal gekauftes Ticket kann nicht storniert werden.

A once-bought ticket cannot be canceled.

Passive voice with modal verb 'können'.

7

Ich bereue es, dieses überteuerte Gerät gekauft zu haben.

I regret having bought this overpriced device.

Infinitive clause with 'zu' in the perfect tense.

8

Das Gemälde wurde für eine Rekordsumme gekauft.

The painting was bought for a record sum.

Präteritum passive.

1

Der Vorwurf der gekauften Berichterstattung wiegt schwer.

The accusation of bought (corrupt) reporting weighs heavily.

Highly abstract noun phrase in the genitive case.

2

Er hat sich von seiner Schuld freigekauft.

He bought his way out of his guilt/debt.

Compound verb 'freikaufen' in perfect tense.

3

Das Start-up wurde von einem Branchenriesen aufgekauft.

The start-up was bought up by an industry giant.

Compound verb 'aufkaufen' emphasizing total acquisition.

4

Solche Privilegien können nicht einfach gekauft werden; sie müssen erarbeitet sein.

Such privileges cannot simply be bought; they must be earned.

Philosophical contrast using passive voice.

5

Ihre Loyalität war offensichtlich gekauft.

Her loyalty was obviously bought.

Predicative adjective implying bribery.

6

Die zu teuer eingekauften Spieler ruinierten den Verein.

The players bought too expensively ruined the club.

Complex extended attribute with 'eingekauft'.

7

Wir betrachten die Angelegenheit damit als gekauft und erledigt.

We consider the matter thereby bought (agreed upon) and settled.

Idiomatic use in a formal business context.

8

Das Museum stellt neu dazugekaufte Exponate aus.

The museum is exhibiting newly additionally-bought exhibits.

Compound participle 'dazugekauft'.

1

Die Integrität des Wettbewerbs wurde durch gekaufte Schiedsrichter kompromittiert.

The integrity of the competition was compromised by bought referees.

Passive voice with a complex prepositional phrase.

2

Es handelt sich um ein teuer erkauftes Zugeständnis.

It is a dearly bought concession.

Using the related verb 'erkaufen' for abstract sacrifices.

3

Der Konzern hat die Konkurrenz systematisch leergekauft.

The corporation systematically bought the competition empty (bought all their stock).

Creative compound 'leerkaufen'.

4

Ein solches Kunstwerk, einmal gekauft, entzieht sich dem öffentlichen Diskurs.

Such an artwork, once bought, withdraws from public discourse.

Apposition using the participle.

5

Die Illusion einer heilen Welt ist mit Konsum nicht gekauft.

The illusion of a perfect world is not bought with consumption.

Philosophical statement using 'gekauft' predicatively.

6

Er argumentierte, dass die Wahlen de facto gekauft worden seien.

He argued that the elections had de facto been bought.

Konjunktiv I passive perfect for reported speech.

7

Das ist ein Argument, das ich dir unbesehen abgekauft hätte.

That is an argument I would have bought (believed) from you sight unseen.

Idiomatic use of 'abkaufen' (to believe) in Subjunctive II.

8

Die vertraglich zugesicherten, jedoch nie gekauften Lizenzen führten zum Rechtsstreit.

The contractually guaranteed, yet never bought licenses led to the legal dispute.

Highly complex, multi-layered participial attribute.

सामान्य शब्द संयोजन

neu gekauft
frisch gekauft
teuer gekauft
billig gekauft
online gekauft
gebraucht gekauft
kürzlich gekauft
gerade gekauft
gekauft haben
gekauft werden

अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है

gekauft vs verkauft (sold)

gekauft vs eingekauft (shopped)

gekauft vs erworben (acquired)

आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले

gekauft vs

gekauft vs

gekauft vs

gekauft vs

gekauft vs

वाक्य संरचनाएँ

इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें

common collocations

Often paired with adverbs of time (gestern, heute) or manner (teuer, billig, online).

literal vs figurative

Literally means 'bought'. Figuratively means 'agreed' (Gekauft!) or 'corrupt/bribed' (ein gekaufter Schiedsrichter).

सामान्य गलतियाँ
  • Ich bin ein Auto gekauft.

    Using 'sein' instead of 'haben' as the auxiliary verb.

  • Ich habe gekauft ein Auto.

    Putting the past participle in the middle of the sentence instead of at the end.

  • Das gekauft Auto ist schön.

    Forgetting to add the adjective declension ending '-e'.

  • Ich habe im Supermarkt gekauft.

    Using 'kaufen' instead of 'einkaufen' for general grocery shopping.

  • Ich habe mein Auto gekauft.

    Confusing 'gekauft' (bought) with 'verkauft' (sold) when meaning to get rid of something for money.

सुझाव

Always use 'haben'

Never use 'sein' to form the perfect tense of kaufen. It is always 'Ich habe gekauft', never 'Ich bin gekauft'.

Send it to the end

In a main clause, push 'gekauft' to the very end of the sentence. 'Ich habe einen Apfel gekauft', not 'Ich habe gekauft einen Apfel'.

Kaufen vs. Einkaufen

Use 'kaufen' for specific items (a car, a book). Use 'einkaufen' for general shopping trips (groceries).

Say 'Gekauft!'

Use 'Gekauft!' as a cool, native-sounding way to say 'Deal!' or 'I agree to your plan'.

Adjective Endings

When using 'gekauft' before a noun, treat it like any other adjective. 'Das gekaufte Buch', 'ein gekauftes Buch'.

Hit the 't'

Make sure to pronounce the 't' at the end clearly so people don't confuse it with the infinitive 'kaufen'.

Nominalization

Impress your teacher by capitalizing it: 'Das Gekaufte' (the purchased goods). It's a very efficient way to write.

Passive Voice

Combine 'werden' + 'gekauft' to focus on the object being bought, not the person buying it. 'Das Auto wird gekauft'.

Level Up

If you want to sound formal or professional, use 'erworben' instead of 'gekauft'.

Gekauft wie gesehen

Remember this phrase if you buy a used car in Germany. It means 'bought as seen' and waives your right to complain later.

याद करें

स्मृति सहायक

Think of a 'cow' (kau) that you 'ft' (lift) into your truck after you BOUGHT it. Ge-cow-ft.

शब्द की उत्पत्ति

From Middle High German 'gekouft', past participle of 'koufen'.

सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ

Perfectly acceptable in all registers, though 'erworben' is preferred in highly formal legal documents.

The root 'kaufen' comes from early Germanic trade with the Roman Empire, showing how fundamental commerce is to the language.

In Switzerland and Austria, the usage is identical, though local dialects might pronounce the 'ge-' prefix less distinctly.

असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें

वास्तविक संदर्भ

बातचीत की शुरुआत

"Wo hast du diese schönen Schuhe gekauft?"

"Hast du in letzter Zeit etwas Teures gekauft?"

"Kaufst du lieber online oder im Geschäft?"

"Was war das Letzte, das du gekauft hast?"

"Hast du schon alle Weihnachtsgeschenke gekauft?"

डायरी विषय

Beschreibe den besten Gegenstand, den du je gekauft hast.

Warum hast du dein letztes Handy gekauft?

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem du viel eingekauft hast.

Glaubst du, dass man Glück kaufen kann?

Was würdest du kaufen, wenn du eine Million Euro hättest?

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल

10 सवाल

You must always use 'haben'. For example, 'Ich habe gekauft' (I have bought). Never use 'sein' (Ich bin gekauft), as this is grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning entirely.

'Gekauft' is the past participle of 'kaufen', meaning to buy a specific item (Ich habe ein Auto gekauft). 'Eingekauft' is from 'einkaufen', which means the general activity of shopping, usually for groceries (Ich habe im Supermarkt eingekauft).

Yes, absolutely. You can place it before a noun, like 'das gekaufte Auto' (the bought car). Remember that you must apply standard German adjective declension rules when doing this.

In a standard main clause in the perfect tense, 'gekauft' goes at the very end. For example: 'Ich habe gestern im Zentrum ein Buch gekauft.' The auxiliary verb 'habe' is in the second position.

This is an idiom. It means 'Deal!' or 'Agreed!'. If someone suggests a plan or offers a price and you like it, you can say 'Gekauft!' to show enthusiastic acceptance.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. However, in highly formal or legal contexts, the word 'erworben' (acquired) is sometimes preferred.

You combine it with the verb 'werden'. For example, 'Das Haus wird gekauft' means 'The house is being bought'. 'Das Haus wurde gekauft' means 'The house was bought'.

The direct opposite is 'verkauft', which is the past participle of 'verkaufen' (to sell). For example, 'Ich habe das Auto verkauft' (I sold the car).

Yes, if you use it as a noun (nominalization). 'Das Gekaufte' means 'the purchased items' or 'that which was bought'. It takes a neuter article.

Because 'kaufen' is a regular (weak) verb in German. Regular verbs form their past participle by adding the prefix 'ge-' and the suffix '-t' to the verb stem (kauf).

खुद को परखो 200 सवाल

writing

Write a sentence saying you bought a book.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Ich habe ein Buch gekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence saying he bought a car.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Er hat ein Auto gekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Ask someone if they bought bread.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Hast du Brot gekauft?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Say you bought water.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Ich habe Wasser gekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence saying you bought a lot of fruit yesterday.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Ich habe gestern viel Obst gekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Say you bought it because it was cheap.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Ich habe es gekauft, weil es billig war.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write 'the bought car' in German.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Das gekaufte Auto.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write 'a bought book' in German.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Ein gekauftes Buch.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence in the passive voice: The house is being bought.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Das Haus wird gekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence in the passive voice: The tickets were bought.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Die Tickets wurden gekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Use 'Gekauft!' as an exclamation to agree to a deal.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Zehn Euro? Gekauft!

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using the nominalized form 'das Gekaufte'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Sie legte das Gekaufte auf den Tisch.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'erworben' instead of 'gekauft'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Er hat das Grundstück erworben.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence about 'gekaufte Rezensionen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Es gibt viele gekaufte Rezensionen im Internet.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'freigekauft'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Er hat sich freigekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'aufgekauft'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Die Firma wurde aufgekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'leergekauft'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Der Supermarkt ist leergekauft.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence using 'erkauft'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Das war ein teuer erkaufter Sieg.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write the phrase 'bought as seen'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Gekauft wie gesehen.

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
writing

Write a sentence in Plusquamperfekt: After I had bought it...

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

Nachdem ich es gekauft hatte...

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
speaking

Read this aloud:

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What did the speaker buy?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What did he buy?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What is the speaker asking about?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

When did they buy fruit?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What is beautiful?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

When is the house being bought?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Does the speaker agree to the price?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

Where did she put the items?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What happened to the property?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What kind of reviews are there?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What happened to the start-up?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What did he do?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What is the state of the store?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What kind of victory was it?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
listening

What is the condition of the sale?

सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:
सही! बिलकुल नहीं। सही जवाब:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

संबंधित सामग्री

home के और शब्द

abdecken

B1

खाने के बाद मेज साफ करना; सुरक्षा के लिए किसी चीज़ को ढंकना।

abdichten

B1

किसी चीज़ को जलरोधक बनाना ताकि पानी अंदर या बाहर न जा सके।

Abfalleimer

B1

कूड़ेदान एक ऐसा पात्र है जिसका उपयोग कचरा और अपशिष्ट पदार्थों को इकट्ठा करने के लिए किया जाता है।

Abfluss

B1

drain

abgenutzt

B1

लगातार उपयोग के कारण घिसा हुआ या पुराना।

abhängen

B1

लटकती हुई चीज़ को नीचे उतारना।

Ablesen

B1

मीटर रीडिंग या कागज से पढ़ना।

abreißen

B1

किसी इमारत को गिराना या अचानक संपर्क टूट जाना। 'वे पुरानी इमारत को गिरा रहे हैं' या 'हमारा संपर्क टूट गया'।

abstauben

B1

किसी सतह से धूल झाड़ना।

Abstellraum

B1

अबश्टेलराउम आपके घर में वह व्यावहारिक जगह है जहाँ आप रोज़मर्रा की ज़रूरत की चीज़ें स्टोर कर सकते हैं।

क्या यह मददगार था?
अभी तक कोई टिप्पणी नहीं। अपने विचार साझा करने वाले पहले व्यक्ति बनें!