To acquire something through purchase, effort, or achievement.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Formal term for acquiring property or skills.
- Used for both physical goods and abstract knowledge.
- Implies effort or a formal transaction process.
Überblick
'Erwerben' ist ein gehobener Ausdruck für 'kaufen' oder 'bekommen'. Es impliziert eine bewusste Handlung, bei der man Eigentum oder eine Qualifikation erlangt. 2) Verwendungsmuster: Das Verb ist transitiv und erfordert meist ein Akkusativobjekt. Es kann sich sowohl auf physische Objekte (ein Haus, ein Gemälde) als auch auf abstrakte Konzepte (Sprachkenntnisse, einen Titel) beziehen. 3) Häufige Kontexte: Man findet das Wort oft in rechtlichen, wirtschaftlichen oder akademischen Kontexten. Es klingt formeller als 'kaufen' oder 'lernen'. 4) Ähnliche Wörter: 'Kaufen' ist der direkte, alltägliche Ersatz für materielle Dinge. 'Erlangen' wird bei Zielen oder Status verwendet, während 'sich aneignen' spezifisch für Wissen oder Fähigkeiten steht.
Examples
Sie hat ein altes Haus erworben.
everydayShe acquired an old house.
Er erwarb den Doktortitel an der Universität.
academicHe obtained his doctorate at the university.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
einen Titel erwerben
to earn a title
Often Confused With
Kaufen focuses on the transaction of money for goods. Erwerben is broader and more formal.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Erwerben is a formal verb. It is commonly found in contracts, news reports, and academic writing. In spoken German, it is used when discussing high-value items or professional development.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for small, cheap items, which sounds strange. Another mistake is forgetting that it requires an object; you cannot just 'erwerben' without saying what.
Tips
Use for formal and abstract contexts
Prefer 'erwerben' when talking about degrees, language skills, or expensive real estate. It adds a level of professionalism to your speech.
Avoid in casual daily shopping
Using 'erwerben' at the supermarket sounds overly pedantic. Stick to 'kaufen' for everyday grocery shopping.
Educational and legal significance
In Germany, obtaining a degree or a professional certificate is frequently described with 'erwerben'. It highlights the effort invested in the process.
Word Origin
Derived from Old High German 'irwerban', meaning to gain or earn through effort. It shares roots with the concept of working for a goal.
Cultural Context
The term reflects the German value of 'Bildung' (education/self-cultivation). Acquiring skills is seen as a formal achievement.
Memory Tip
Think of 'er-werben' as 'earning' your way to something through effort or money. It sounds like 'earn', which helps to remember the meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNicht ganz. 'Erwerben' ist formeller und kann auch immaterielle Dinge wie Wissen betreffen, während 'kaufen' primär den Geldtausch für Waren meint.
Grammatikalisch ist das korrekt, klingt aber im Alltag sehr unnatürlich. Hier ist 'kaufen' die bessere Wahl.
'Bekommen' ist neutral und passiv. 'Erwerben' betont die eigene Leistung oder den aktiven Prozess des Erwerbs.
Das Partizip Perfekt lautet 'erworben'. Es wird mit dem Hilfsverb 'haben' konjugiert.
Test Yourself
Wählen Sie das passende Wort.
Er hat sich fundierte Sprachkenntnisse ___.
Bei Fähigkeiten verwendet man 'erwerben', nicht 'kaufen'.
🎉 Score: /1
Summary
To acquire something through purchase, effort, or achievement.
- Formal term for acquiring property or skills.
- Used for both physical goods and abstract knowledge.
- Implies effort or a formal transaction process.
Use for formal and abstract contexts
Prefer 'erwerben' when talking about degrees, language skills, or expensive real estate. It adds a level of professionalism to your speech.
Avoid in casual daily shopping
Using 'erwerben' at the supermarket sounds overly pedantic. Stick to 'kaufen' for everyday grocery shopping.
Educational and legal significance
In Germany, obtaining a degree or a professional certificate is frequently described with 'erwerben'. It highlights the effort invested in the process.
Examples
2 of 2Sie hat ein altes Haus erworben.
She acquired an old house.
Er erwarb den Doktortitel an der Universität.
He obtained his doctorate at the university.
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Abfall
A2waste, garbage
abholen
A1to pick up
abmelden
A1to deregister, to sign out; to formally withdraw or log off.
abwaschen
A2To wash dishes after a meal.
Adresse
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Alltag
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anhaben
A2To wear; to have clothes on one's body.
anmelden
A1to register, to sign up; to formally enroll or record one's presence.
