Meaning
To be given something as a present.
Cultural Background
Gift-giving is very common for birthdays. It is polite to open the gift in front of the giver. Similar to Germany, but 'Präsent' is used slightly more often in formal settings. Swiss Germans often use 'übercho' instead of 'bekommen' in dialect. The concept of 'receiving' is universal, but the social expectation to say 'Danke' is strictly enforced in German-speaking countries.
Focus on the verb
Remember that 'bekommen' is a false friend for 'become'. It means 'to get'.
Saying thanks
Always follow up with 'Danke' when you receive a gift.
Meaning
To be given something as a present.
Focus on the verb
Remember that 'bekommen' is a false friend for 'become'. It means 'to get'.
Saying thanks
Always follow up with 'Danke' when you receive a gift.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct verb.
Ich habe gestern ein Geschenk ____.
We use 'bekommen' for receiving.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
The first option uses the correct tense and verb.
Match the German phrase with the English meaning.
Match: 'ein Geschenk bekommen' -> ?
Bekommen means to receive.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIch habe gestern ein Geschenk ____.
We use 'bekommen' for receiving.
Choose the correct sentence.
The first option uses the correct tense and verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Bekommen means to receive.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is the standard, neutral word for 'to get'.
Yes, but it sounds more formal, like in a business letter.
Yes, it is {das|n} Geschenk.
Ich habe ein Geschenk bekommen.
Ich habe ein Geschenk gegeben or Ich habe jemandem etwas geschenkt.
Yes, die Geschenke.
No, it is for physical objects.
Yes, very common.
You can say 'Ich habe einen Gutschein bekommen'.
Yes, if your partner gives you something.
Yes, it is the most natural way to say it.
Yes, 'kriegen' is very common in informal speech.
Related Phrases
ein Geschenk machen
contrastTo give a gift
etwas geschenkt bekommen
similarTo be given something for free
ein Präsent erhalten
synonymTo receive a present
sich über ein Geschenk freuen
builds onTo be happy about a gift
