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A2 noun #2,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

der Kauf

상위 2,000

At the A1 level, 'der Kauf' is a very simple concept related to basic needs. You learn it in the context of buying food, clothes, or small items. It's often paired with 'haben' or 'machen' (though 'machen' is less formal). You might see it on signs in shops or on receipts. The focus is on recognizing that it means 'the act of buying'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just remember it's masculine: 'der Kauf'. You might use it in sentences like 'Der Kauf ist fertig' (The purchase is finished) or 'Was kostet der Kauf?' (What does the purchase cost?). It's the noun version of the verb 'kaufen' which you use every day. Even at this early stage, knowing the noun helps you understand labels and simple instructions in German stores. You will mostly hear it in very clear, slow contexts.

At the A2 level, you start using 'der Kauf' in more varied sentences. You learn to use prepositions like 'nach' or 'vor'. For example, 'Nach dem Kauf gehen wir nach Hause' (After the purchase, we go home). You also begin to see compound words like 'Kaufhaus' (department store). You understand that 'der Kauf' is more specific than just 'shopping'. You might discuss a 'günstiger Kauf' (a cheap buy) with friends. This level focuses on everyday transactions—buying a train ticket, a new shirt, or a phone. You are expected to handle the masculine gender correctly in the nominative and accusative cases. You might also encounter the word in simple advertisements or online shop buttons. It's a key word for surviving daily life in a German-speaking country where commerce is a constant activity.

At the B1 level, 'der Kauf' becomes part of your functional vocabulary for more complex situations. You can talk about consumer rights, like 'Rückgabe nach dem Kauf' (return after purchase). You start using more formal expressions like 'einen Kauf tätigen' (to make a purchase). You also learn about the 'Kaufvertrag' (sales contract) and its importance. You can describe your shopping habits and discuss whether a 'Kauf' was necessary or a 'Fehlkauf' (a bad buy). You are comfortable with the plural 'die Käufe' and the umlaut change. At this stage, you can understand short articles about consumer trends or the 'Kaufkraft' (purchasing power) of people in different regions. Your ability to use 'der Kauf' in different cases (genitive, dative) should be solidifying.

At the B2 level, you use 'der Kauf' in abstract and professional contexts. You can discuss 'Firmenkäufe' (company acquisitions) or 'Immobilienkäufe' (real estate purchases) in detail. You understand the nuances between 'Kauf', 'Erwerb', and 'Anschaffung'. You can follow a debate about 'Konsumverhalten' (consumer behavior) and the impact of 'Online-Käufe' on local shops. You use the word in more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as passive voice or complex subordinate clauses. You might read legal terms and conditions (AGB) where 'der Kauf' is defined precisely. Your vocabulary includes idiomatic expressions related to buying. You can express opinions on the ethics of certain 'Käufe', such as fair-trade products or environmental impact.

At the C1 level, 'der Kauf' is a tool for precise communication in specialized fields. In a legal or business setting, you understand the intricate details of 'Kaufrecht' (sales law) and the obligations arising from a 'Kauf'. You can analyze the 'Kaufmotive' (buying motives) of different target groups in a marketing context. You use the word with high stylistic flexibility, choosing it or its synonyms to fit the register of your speech or writing. You can interpret complex texts about economic theories where 'Kaufkraftparität' (purchasing power parity) is discussed. Your understanding of the word includes its historical and cultural connotations in German society. You can participate in high-level discussions about the psychology of the 'Kaufrausch' (buying spree) or the socio-economic implications of 'Massenkäufe'.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'der Kauf' and all its derivatives. You can appreciate the word's use in literature and philosophy, perhaps discussing the 'Kauf der Seele' (purchase of the soul) in a metaphorical sense. You are aware of the most subtle distinctions in register and can use the word in highly formal legal documents or very informal slang. You can write academic papers on 'Kaufverhalten' or 'Kaufrechtliche Gewährleistung' with ease. You understand the etymological roots and how they influence modern usage. You can effortlessly switch between 'Kauf', 'Akquisition', 'Erwerb', and 'Anschaffung' to convey precise shades of meaning. Your mastery extends to all idiomatic and proverbial uses, and you can even play with the word in creative writing or puns.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

der Kauf 30초 만에

Der Kauf is a masculine noun meaning 'purchase' or 'the act of buying'.
It is the noun form of the verb 'kaufen' and has the plural 'die Käufe'.
It is used in retail, business, and legal contexts to describe transactions.
Common compounds include Kaufhaus, Kaufvertrag, and Kaufpreis.

The German noun der Kauf is a fundamental term in the German language, primarily used to describe the act of purchasing or acquiring something in exchange for money. At its core, it represents the transaction itself—the moment ownership transfers from a seller to a buyer. While it is often used in everyday shopping contexts, it also carries significant weight in legal and business terminology, where it refers to the formal execution of a contract. Understanding 'der Kauf' requires distinguishing it from its related verb 'kaufen' and its more specific cousin 'der Einkauf'. While 'der Einkauf' often refers to the process of going shopping (like getting groceries), 'der Kauf' focuses on the specific event of the acquisition or the item acquired itself.

Grammatical Gender: Masculine (der Kauf). This is crucial for adjective endings and article declension in various cases.
Plural Form: Die Käufe. Note the umlaut change from 'au' to 'äu', which is common in masculine monosyllabic nouns.

Der Kauf des neuen Hauses war ein großer Schritt für die Familie.

In a broader sense, 'der Kauf' can also refer to the object that was bought. For example, if you find a great deal at a flea market, you might say, 'Das war ein guter Kauf' (That was a good buy). This versatility makes it an essential word for anyone navigating the German-speaking world, from simple retail interactions to complex financial negotiations. It is deeply embedded in the German 'Kaufkultur' (buying culture), which often emphasizes quality, warranty (Gewährleistung), and the formal 'Kaufvertrag' (sales contract). Historically, the word derives from the Old High German 'kouf', which was already associated with trade and commerce, showing the long-standing importance of this concept in Germanic societies.

Ein Kauf auf Raten kann riskant sein.

Abstract Usage: It can also mean the acquisition of intangible things, like 'der Kauf von Aktien' (the purchase of stocks).

Der Kauf von Wissen ist die beste Investition.

Nach dem Kauf haben Sie ein Rückgaberecht.

Synonym Hint: 'Anschaffung' is often used for larger, more permanent purchases like furniture or cars.

Der Kauf war ein echtes Schnäppchen.

Using 'der Kauf' correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common prepositional pairings. In German, nouns are always capitalized, and 'Kauf' is no exception. It frequently appears in the accusative case when it is the direct object of a sentence, such as in 'Ich bestätige den Kauf' (I confirm the purchase). However, it is perhaps most common in prepositional phrases. For instance, 'beim Kauf' (at the time of purchase) is a very frequent construction used to provide conditions or advice: 'Beim Kauf von Elektronik sollte man auf die Garantie achten' (When buying electronics, one should pay attention to the warranty).

Prepositional Use: 'Nach dem Kauf' (after the purchase), 'Vor dem Kauf' (before the purchase), 'Durch den Kauf' (through the purchase).

Bitte prüfen Sie die Ware direkt nach dem Kauf.

Another important aspect is the formation of compound nouns. German is famous for its long words, and 'Kauf' is a prolific building block. You will encounter 'Kaufhaus' (department store), 'Kaufvertrag' (sales contract), 'Kaufpreis' (purchase price), and 'Kaufkraft' (purchasing power). In these compounds, 'Kauf' usually acts as the defining element, specifying what kind of house, contract, or price we are talking about. When using these compounds, the gender of the final noun determines the gender of the whole word (e.g., 'das Kaufhaus' because 'Haus' is neuter, but 'der Kaufvertrag' because 'Vertrag' is masculine).

Der Kaufpreis ist verhandelbar.

Verbal Expressions: 'Einen Kauf tätigen' (to make a purchase) is a formal way to say you bought something.

Wir haben heute einen wichtigen Kauf getätigt.

Der Kauf auf Rechnung ist in Deutschland sehr beliebt.

Common Adjectives: 'Ein günstiger Kauf' (a cheap/good buy), 'ein teurer Kauf' (an expensive purchase), 'ein unnötiger Kauf' (an unnecessary purchase).

Das war ein absolut lohnenswerter Kauf.

You will encounter 'der Kauf' in a variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly professional. In a retail environment, you might hear a cashier say, 'Vielen Dank für Ihren Kauf' (Thank you for your purchase) or see signs that say 'Kauf auf Probe' (purchase on approval). Online shopping platforms are filled with this word; buttons might say 'Kauf abschließen' (complete purchase) or 'Kauf bestätigen' (confirm purchase). If you are listening to the news, specifically the financial section, you will hear about 'Firmenkäufe' (company acquisitions) or the 'Kaufkraft der Verbraucher' (purchasing power of consumers).

In Stores: 'Kassenbon nach dem Kauf bitte mitnehmen.' (Please take the receipt after the purchase.)

Der Kauf wurde erfolgreich abgeschlossen.

In legal contexts, 'der Kauf' is the central theme of the 'Kaufrecht' (sales law). Lawyers and notaries will use it when discussing 'Grundstückskäufe' (land purchases) or 'Autokäufe' (car purchases). Even in social settings, the word comes up when friends discuss their latest acquisitions. 'War der Kauf der neuen Kamera wirklich nötig?' (Was the purchase of the new camera really necessary?) is a typical question. It also appears in idiomatic expressions and proverbs, reflecting the cultural attitude towards spending and value. For example, 'Man soll nicht die Katze im Sack kaufen' (Don't buy a cat in a sack) uses the verb, but the noun form 'der Kauf der Katze im Sack' would describe the act of buying something without inspecting it first.

Der Kauf von regionalen Produkten wird immer beliebter.

Online Shopping: 'Kauf per Mausklick' (purchase via mouse click) is a common phrase for digital transactions.

Bitte bewahren Sie die Quittung für den Kauf auf.

Ein Kauf ohne Risiko ist uns wichtig.

Business News: 'Der Kauf der Anteile wurde von der Börse begrüßt.'

Der Kauf von Gold gilt als sicher.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 'der Kauf' with 'der Einkauf'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Der Einkauf' usually refers to the activity of shopping or the collection of things bought (like a bag of groceries). You would say, 'Ich trage den Einkauf nach Hause' (I'm carrying the shopping home), but 'Der Kauf des Autos war teuer' (The purchase of the car was expensive). Using 'Einkauf' for a single, major transaction like a house or a company acquisition sounds unnatural. Another common error is gender confusion. Since 'Kauf' is masculine, it must be 'ein Kauf', 'der Kauf', 'den Kauf', etc. Learners often mistakenly use the neuter 'das' because 'kaufen' is a neutral action in their minds.

Kauf vs. Einkauf: Kauf = The act/transaction. Einkauf = The shopping trip/groceries.

Falsch: Ich habe einen Einkauf eines Hauses gemacht. Richtig: Ich habe einen Kauf eines Hauses getätigt.

Another pitfall is the plural form. Many learners try to pluralize it as 'Kaufe' or 'Kaufen', but the correct form is 'Käufe' with an umlaut. This is a classic 'Starke Substantive' (strong nouns) pattern that requires memorization. Furthermore, learners sometimes struggle with the difference between 'Kauf' and 'Verkauf'. 'Verkauf' is the opposite—the act of selling. Mixing these up can lead to significant misunderstandings in business transactions. Lastly, watch out for the preposition 'zu'. While in English you might say 'the purchase of', in German you often use the genitive 'der Kauf des...' or the preposition 'von' ('der Kauf von...'). Using 'zu' in this context is a common anglicism.

Falsch: Die Kaufe waren teuer. Richtig: Die Käufe waren teuer.

Preposition Error: Avoid 'Kauf zu' for 'purchase of'. Use 'Kauf von' or the genitive case.

Der Kauf von Aktien ist riskant.

Der Kauf und der Verkauf von Waren.

Article Usage: Always use 'der' (masculine). 'Das Kauf' is a common mistake for beginners.

Ein Kauf, der sich gelohnt hat.

To truly master 'der Kauf', it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. 'Die Anschaffung' is a very close synonym, often used for significant, long-term purchases like a new car, a washing machine, or furniture. While 'Kauf' focuses on the transaction, 'Anschaffung' focuses on the act of getting something to keep and use. 'Die Erwerbung' (or 'der Erwerb') is a more formal, often academic or legal term for acquisition. You might hear about the 'Erwerb der Staatsbürgerschaft' (acquisition of citizenship) or the 'Erwerb von Grundbesitz' (acquisition of real estate). It sounds much more official than 'Kauf'.

Kauf vs. Anschaffung: 'Kauf' is the transaction; 'Anschaffung' is the procurement of a lasting item.
Kauf vs. Erwerb: 'Kauf' is common/commercial; 'Erwerb' is formal/legal.

Die Anschaffung neuer Büromöbel war teuer.

Another related term is 'die Besorgung', which usually refers to running errands or getting smaller items. If you go out to get some milk, you are doing a 'Besorgung'. It doesn't have the financial weight of 'Kauf'. Then there is 'das Schnäppchen', which is a colloquial term for a 'bargain' or a 'great buy'. When a 'Kauf' is particularly cheap, it becomes a 'Schnäppchen'. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right situation. For example, you wouldn't call the 'Kauf' of a multi-million dollar company a 'Besorgung', but you might call it a strategic 'Erwerb'.

Dieser Kauf war ein echtes Schnäppchen!

Kauf vs. Shopping: 'Shopping' is the leisure activity; 'Kauf' is the specific transaction.

Der Erwerb von Eigentum ist ein Ziel vieler Menschen.

Leider war die Jacke ein Fehlkauf.

Summary of Terms: Kauf (Transaction), Einkauf (Shopping/Groceries), Anschaffung (Major asset), Erwerb (Formal acquisition).

Ein Kauf aus Leidenschaft.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

비격식체

발음 가이드

라임이 맞는 단어

Lauf drauf auf

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

Der Kauf ist klein.

The purchase is small.

Nominative masculine.

Was kostet der Kauf?

What does the purchase cost?

Interrogative sentence.

Danke für den Kauf.

Thanks for the purchase.

Accusative after 'für'.

Der Kauf war gut.

The purchase was good.

Simple past with 'sein'.

Ich sehe den Kauf.

I see the purchase.

Direct object in accusative.

Ist das ein Kauf?

Is that a purchase?

Indefinite article.

Mein Kauf ist hier.

My purchase is here.

Possessive pronoun.

Kein Kauf heute.

No purchase today.

Negation with 'kein'.

Nach dem Kauf gehen wir essen.

After the purchase, we go to eat.

Dative after 'nach'.

Vor dem Kauf prüfen wir den Preis.

Before the purchase, we check the price.

Dative after 'vor'.

Das war ein günstiger Kauf.

That was a cheap buy.

Adjective declension.

Ich brauche die Quittung für den Kauf.

I need the receipt for the purchase.

Accusative after 'für'.

Der Kauf im Internet ist einfach.

Buying on the internet is easy.

Prepositional phrase 'im Internet'.

Wir planen den Kauf eines Autos.

We are planning the purchase of a car.

Genitive case 'eines Autos'.

Beim Kauf gab es Probleme.

There were problems during the purchase.

Contraction 'bei + dem'.

Dieser Kauf war unnötig.

This purchase was unnecessary.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieser'.

Ein Kaufvertrag ist rechtlich bindend.

A sales contract is legally binding.

Compound noun 'Kaufvertrag'.

Die Käufe wurden online getätigt.

The purchases were made online.

Plural form 'Käufe'.

Man sollte den Kauf gut überlegen.

One should think carefully about the purchase.

Modal verb 'sollte'.

Der Kauf auf Rechnung ist sicher.

Purchase on account is safe.

Prepositional phrase 'auf Rechnung'.

Trotz des Kaufs bin ich unzufrieden.

Despite the purchase, I am unhappy.

Genitive after 'trotz'.

Der Kauf von Bio-Produkten steigt.

The purchase of organic products is increasing.

Preposition 'von' + dative.

Er bereut den Kauf der teuren Uhr.

He regrets the purchase of the expensive watch.

Genitive 'der teuren Uhr'.

Der Kauf wurde per Kreditkarte bezahlt.

The purchase was paid for by credit card.

Passive voice.

Die Kaufkraft der Bevölkerung sinkt.

The purchasing power of the population is falling.

Compound noun 'Kaufkraft'.

Der Kauf von Anteilen ist riskant.

The purchase of shares is risky.

Abstract noun usage.

Ein Kaufrausch kann gefährlich sein.

A shopping spree can be dangerous.

Compound noun 'Kaufrausch'.

Der Kauf wurde durch die Bank finanziert.

The purchase was financed by the bank.

Passive with 'durch'.

Wir müssen den Kauf genau dokumentieren.

We must document the purchase precisely.

Infinitive with modal verb.

Der Kauf von Immobilien gilt als Anlage.

The purchase of real estate is considered an investment.

Plural genitive.

Ein Fehlkauf lässt sich oft vermeiden.

A bad purchase can often be avoided.

Reflexive construction.

Der Kauf der Firma wurde gestern bekanntgegeben.

The purchase of the company was announced yesterday.

Passive voice.

Die kaufrechtlichen Bestimmungen sind komplex.

The sales law regulations are complex.

Adjective derived from 'Kauf'.

Der Kauf erfolgte unter Vorbehalt.

The purchase was made with reservations.

Formal verb 'erfolgen'.

Die Kaufmotive wurden psychologisch analysiert.

The buying motives were psychologically analyzed.

Compound noun 'Kaufmotive'.

Der Kauf von Staatsanleihen stabilisiert den Markt.

The purchase of government bonds stabilizes the market.

Economic terminology.

Ein Kauf auf Probe bietet Sicherheit.

A purchase on approval offers security.

Legal term 'auf Probe'.

Der Kauf von Luxusgütern ist ein Statussymbol.

The purchase of luxury goods is a status symbol.

Sociological context.

Trotz des hohen Preises war der Kauf alternativlos.

Despite the high price, the purchase was without alternative.

Genitive after 'trotz'.

Der Kauf wurde durch eine Anzahlung gesichert.

The purchase was secured by a down payment.

Passive voice.

Der Kauf der Seele ist ein literarisches Motiv.

The purchase of the soul is a literary motif.

Metaphorical usage.

Die Kaufkraftparität ist ein wichtiger Indikator.

Purchasing power parity is an important indicator.

Specialized economic term.

Der Kaufakt ist oft emotional gesteuert.

The act of buying is often emotionally driven.

Psychological terminology.

Ein Kauf unter Zwang ist rechtlich nichtig.

A purchase under duress is legally void.

Legal terminology.

Die Kommerzialisierung führt zum Kauf von allem.

Commercialization leads to the purchase of everything.

Philosophical context.

Der Kauf von Ablassbriefen war umstritten.

The purchase of indulgences was controversial.

Historical context.

Ein Kauf, der die Existenz bedroht.

A purchase that threatens existence.

Relative clause.

Der Kauf von Zeit ist der wahre Luxus.

Buying time is the true luxury.

Abstract/Philosophical.

자주 쓰는 조합

einen Kauf tätigen

einen Kauf abschließen

einen Kauf bestätigen

einen Kauf bereuen

günstiger Kauf

teurer Kauf

unnötiger Kauf

geplanter Kauf

beim Kauf

nach dem Kauf

자주 쓰는 구문

Kauf auf Rechnung

Kauf auf Probe

Kauf auf Raten

Vielen Dank für Ihren Kauf

Ein guter Kauf

Kauf und Verkauf

Vor dem Kauf prüfen

Nach dem Kauf reklamieren

Ein lohnenswerter Kauf

Der Kauf des Jahres

자주 혼동되는 단어

der Kauf vs der Einkauf

der Kauf vs der Verkauf

der Kauf vs der Lauf

관용어 및 표현

혼동하기 쉬운

der Kauf vs Einkauf

der Kauf vs Verkauf

der Kauf vs Verbrauch

der Kauf vs Gebrauch

der Kauf vs Anlauf

문장 패턴

사용법

formality

Kauf is neutral to formal.

distinction

Kauf (act) vs Einkauf (activity/goods).

자주 하는 실수

Kauf is masculine.
Plural needs an umlaut.
Einkauf is for groceries/shopping trips.
'Nach' requires the dative case.
Use 'von' or genitive for 'purchase of'.

팁

Gender Memory

Remember 'der Kauf' by thinking of 'der Verkäufer' (the salesman). Both are masculine.

Compound Power

Learn 'Kauf' as a prefix. Kaufvertrag, Kaufpreis, Kaufhaus. It helps you understand 50+ words instantly.

Kauf vs. Kaufen

Use the verb 'kaufen' for actions and the noun 'Kauf' for results or formal descriptions.

Receipts

Always keep the 'Kassenbon' (receipt) after a 'Kauf' in Germany; you'll need it for any 'Reklamation' (complaint).

Natural Sound

Say 'Das war ein guter Kauf' instead of 'Ich habe das gut gekauft' to sound more like a native speaker.

Formal Letters

In formal emails, use 'Bezugnehmend auf den Kauf...' (Referring to the purchase...) to start your message.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Kauf', look for price or product words nearby to confirm the meaning.

Antonym Pair

Learn 'Kauf' and 'Verkauf' together. They are the two sides of every transaction.

Contracts

A 'Kauf' is a contract. Even without paper, buying bread is legally a 'Kaufvertrag' in Germany.

Impulse

An 'Impulskauf' is an impulse buy. Knowing this word helps you describe shopping habits.

암기하기

어원

Old High German 'kouf'

문화적 맥락

Legal 2-year warranty is standard.

Cash is still very popular, but card use is rising.

Shops are closed on Sundays.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Was war dein bester Kauf dieses Jahr?"

"Planst du bald den Kauf eines neuen Autos?"

"Was hältst du vom Kauf gebrauchter Kleidung?"

"Hast du den Kauf deines Handys bereut?"

"Ist der Kauf im Internet sicher?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe einen Kauf, der dich sehr glücklich gemacht hat.

Warum ist der Kauf von regionalen Produkten wichtig?

Sollte man den Kauf von Plastik vermeiden?

Mein schlimmster Fehlkauf war...

Wie hat sich der Kauf von Dingen durch das Internet verändert?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Kauf is the specific act of purchasing one thing or the transaction itself. Einkauf is the general activity of shopping or the collection of items you bought (like groceries). Use Kauf for a car, and Einkauf for bread and milk.

It is always masculine: der Kauf. This is a common mistake because many abstract concepts are neuter, but Kauf follows the masculine pattern of many short German nouns.

You can say 'Ich habe etwas gekauft' (verb) or more formally 'Ich habe einen Kauf getätigt' (noun). In daily life, the verb is much more common.

The plural is 'die Käufe'. Note the umlaut on the 'äu'. This is typical for masculine nouns that change their vowel in the plural.

Yes, you can talk about the 'Kauf einer Dienstleistung' (purchase of a service), although 'Bezahlung' or 'Inanspruchnahme' might also be used.

It means 'purchase on invoice'. You receive the goods first and pay the bill later, usually within 14 days. It is very popular in Germany.

A 'Kaufhaus' is specifically a large department store like Karstadt or KaDeWe, not just any small shop (which is 'der Laden' or 'das Geschäft').

A 'Fehlkauf' is a 'wrong purchase'—something you bought but later realized you didn't need, it didn't fit, or it was of poor quality.

It becomes 'des Kaufes' or 'des Kaufs'. For example: 'Während des Kaufs gab es ein Problem' (During the purchase, there was a problem).

It translates to 'purchasing power'. it refers to how much people can actually buy with their income, often used in economic news.