15秒了解
- Accepting downsides for a greater goal.
- Conscious trade-off, not passive suffering.
- Common in decisions, planning, and explanations.
- Always involves accepting negative consequences.
意思
当您为了总体目标或收益而有意识地接受劣势、风险或负面副作用时，就会使用这个短语。这关乎做出务实的权衡。
关键例句
3 / 12Texting a friend about a concert
Die Tickets sind echt teuer und die Anfahrt ist lang, aber wir müssen das **in Kauf nehmen**, um unsere Lieblingsband live zu sehen!
The tickets are really expensive and the journey is long, but we have to accept that to see our favorite band live!
Job interview follow-up email
Ich bin mir bewusst, dass die Einarbeitungszeit intensiv sein wird, aber ich bin bereit, diese Herausforderung **in Kauf zu nehmen**.
I am aware that the onboarding period will be intensive, but I am prepared to accept this challenge.
Discussing a new business venture
Wir werden am Anfang wahrscheinlich weniger Gewinn machen und lange arbeiten müssen. Das müssen wir **in Kauf nehmen**.
We will probably make less profit at the beginning and have to work long hours. We have to accept that.
文化背景
Reflects the 'Ehrlicher Kaufmann' (honest merchant) tradition, where transparency about flaws is valued over salesmanship. In Swiss politics, 'in Kauf nehmen' is often used during referendums to explain why a new law might have minor negative impacts. Austrians might use it with a bit more 'Gemütlichkeit' (coziness), often regarding the slow pace of bureaucracy. In international negotiations, Germans use this phrase to show they are being realistic and pragmatic partners.
Use it in Job Interviews
When asked about weaknesses or challenges, use this phrase to show you are realistic and willing to work hard.
Don't over-conjugate 'Kauf'
Never say 'in Käufe nehmen' or 'in den Kauf'. Keep it simple: 'in Kauf'.
15秒了解
- Accepting downsides for a greater goal.
- Conscious trade-off, not passive suffering.
- Common in decisions, planning, and explanations.
- Always involves accepting negative consequences.
What It Means
This phrase is all about making a practical choice. You see a problem coming, or you know there’s a catch. But you decide it’s worth it anyway. You're not happy about the downside, but you accept it. It’s a conscious trade-off, like accepting a slightly longer commute for a better job. Think of it as swallowing a small bitter pill to get a big dose of medicine.
How To Use It
You use in Kauf nehmen when you're aware of negative consequences. You're not surprised by them. You've weighed the pros and cons. The cons are still there, but the pros win out. It's a very common way to express this kind of pragmatic acceptance. You often use it with nouns that describe negative things. For example, Risiken (risks), Nachteile (disadvantages), Verluste (losses), or Unannehmlichkeiten (inconveniences). It’s a flexible phrase for many situations.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your favorite band announces a concert. The tickets are super expensive, and the venue is miles away. You might think, 'The price and distance are bad, but I *have* to see them live!' That's in Kauf nehmen. Or maybe you're starting a new business. You know you'll work crazy hours and have little free time. You accept this because you believe in your idea. That's also in Kauf nehmen. It’s the sound of a realistic decision.
When To Use It
Use in Kauf nehmen when a situation has clear downsides. You acknowledge these downsides. You decide to proceed anyway. It's for situations where you have some control over the decision. You're not just passively suffering. You're actively choosing to accept the bad with the good. It's perfect for planning, decision-making, or explaining a difficult choice. It shows you've thought things through, even the unpleasant parts. It’s like admitting, 'Yeah, this isn't ideal, but what can you do?'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use in Kauf nehmen for things you can easily avoid. If there's no real downside, or if the downside is truly catastrophic and unacceptable, this phrase doesn't fit. It's not for situations where you're genuinely surprised by bad news. It’s also not for expressing pure resignation without any active decision. If you're just complaining about something unavoidable, there might be better phrases. It implies a level of acceptance, not just complaint. So, if you're just venting about the rain ruining your picnic, maybe skip this one.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse in Kauf nehmen with simply accepting something passively. Or they might use it when a completely different verb is needed. It's also easy to mix up the object of the acceptance. For example, saying you in Kauf nehmen something positive makes no sense! Remember, it’s always about accepting the *negative* side.
Ich nehme den Erfolg in Kauf.
✓Ich nehme die Mühe in Kauf. (I accept the effort.)
Wir nehmen den Gewinn in Kauf.
✓Wir nehmen den Verlust in Kauf. (We accept the loss.)
Er nimmt die Freude in Kauf.
✓Er nimmt die Kritik in Kauf. (He accepts the criticism.)
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to express similar ideas, but they have different nuances. Akzeptieren (to accept) is more general and less specific about accepting downsides. Sich abfinden mit (to come to terms with) implies a longer, perhaps more difficult, process of acceptance. Tolerieren (to tolerate) means putting up with something you don't like but can't change. In Kauf nehmen is specifically about accepting known negatives for a greater good. It’s more active than just akzeptieren.
Common Variations
Sometimes, you'll see slight variations. Etwas hinnehmen (to accept something) is a bit more general. Etwas auf sich nehmen can mean to take on a burden or responsibility. But in Kauf nehmen is the standard for accepting negative consequences consciously. You might also hear it used with modal verbs, like Ich muss das in Kauf nehmen (I have to accept that). Or Wir können das nicht in Kauf nehmen (We cannot accept that). These variations keep the core meaning intact.
Memory Trick
Picture yourself at a market, haggling for a souvenir. The vendor says, "Okay, I'll give you this cool mask, but you *also* have to *take* this slightly goofy hat *into your purchase* (in Kauf nehmen)." You look at the hat, sigh, but nod. "Fine, I'll take it." The hat is the downside you accept to get the mask! The image of adding an unwanted item to your shopping cart helps remember the core idea.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is in Kauf nehmen always negative?
A. Yes, it specifically refers to accepting negative consequences, risks, or disadvantages. The overall situation might be positive, but the part you 'take into purchase' is the downside.
使用说明
This phrase sits comfortably in neutral to slightly formal registers. While common in everyday speech, avoid it in very casual slang or when discussing purely positive outcomes. It implies a conscious, pragmatic decision to endure a negative aspect for a perceived greater good.
Use it in Job Interviews
When asked about weaknesses or challenges, use this phrase to show you are realistic and willing to work hard.
Don't over-conjugate 'Kauf'
Never say 'in Käufe nehmen' or 'in den Kauf'. Keep it simple: 'in Kauf'.
The 'Haken'
Germans love to find the 'Haken' (the catch). Using this phrase shows you've already found it and accepted it.
The 'es' placeholder
Remember to use 'es' if you follow the phrase with a 'dass' or 'wenn' clause.
例句
12Die Tickets sind echt teuer und die Anfahrt ist lang, aber wir müssen das **in Kauf nehmen**, um unsere Lieblingsband live zu sehen!
The tickets are really expensive and the journey is long, but we have to accept that to see our favorite band live!
Here, the high price and long travel are the negative aspects being accepted for the positive experience of seeing the band.
Ich bin mir bewusst, dass die Einarbeitungszeit intensiv sein wird, aber ich bin bereit, diese Herausforderung **in Kauf zu nehmen**.
I am aware that the onboarding period will be intensive, but I am prepared to accept this challenge.
The 'intensive onboarding' is framed as a potential negative that the candidate is willing to accept for the job opportunity.
Wir werden am Anfang wahrscheinlich weniger Gewinn machen und lange arbeiten müssen. Das müssen wir **in Kauf nehmen**.
We will probably make less profit at the beginning and have to work long hours. We have to accept that.
The phrase covers the expected financial and time sacrifices for the potential future success of the business.
Der Aufstieg war brutal und die Beine tun weh 😅 Aber die Aussicht? Absolut jeden Schritt **in Kauf genommen**! #hikingadventures #worthit
The climb was brutal and my legs hurt 😅 But the view? Absolutely accepted every step! #hikingadventures #worthit
The physical pain is the negative consequence accepted for the reward of a beautiful view.
Ich muss die Anfangsschwierigkeiten, neue Leute kennenzulernen, **in Kauf nehmen**, aber ich freue mich auf den Neuanfang!
I have to accept the initial difficulties of getting to know new people, but I'm looking forward to the fresh start!
The social awkwardness of meeting new people is acknowledged and accepted as part of the move.
✗ Ich nehme die Beförderung **in Kauf**.
✗ I accept the promotion.
A promotion is a positive outcome, not a negative consequence you 'take into purchase'.
✗ Wir müssen den Regen **in Kauf nehmen**, es hört nicht auf.
✗ We have to accept the rain, it doesn't stop.
While rain is negative, the phrasing implies a conscious decision to accept a downside. Here, it's just happening. Better: 'Wir müssen den Regen *ertragen*.' (We have to endure the rain.)
Ich habe online ein Schnäppchen gemacht! Die Lieferzeit von drei Wochen muss man natürlich **in Kauf nehmen**.
I got a bargain online! You naturally have to accept the three-week delivery time.
The long wait is humorously presented as the necessary downside of a great deal.
Ich weiß, dass es viel Zeit und Energie kostet, aber ich werde sie **in Kauf nehmen**, um meiner besten Freundin in dieser schweren Zeit zu helfen.
I know it will cost a lot of time and energy, but I will accept that to help my best friend during this difficult time.
The personal cost (time, energy) is framed as a negative the speaker is willing to accept out of loyalty and care.
Der Film war genial, aber das Ende war irgendwie enttäuschend. Das musste man wohl **in Kauf nehmen**.
The movie was brilliant, but the ending was somehow disappointing. You probably had to accept that.
The disappointing ending is seen as a flaw accepted because the rest of the movie was great.
Um diese strategische Partnerschaft zu ermöglichen, sind wir bereit, gewisse operative Einschränkungen **in Kauf zu nehmen**.
To enable this strategic partnership, we are prepared to accept certain operational limitations.
Operational limitations are presented as necessary concessions for a larger strategic gain.
Der Umzug ins Ausland bedeutet Abschied von Familie und Freunden. Das ist ein harter Preis, den ich **in Kauf nehmen** muss.
Moving abroad means saying goodbye to family and friends. That's a high price I have to accept.
The emotional pain of leaving loved ones is the significant negative consequence being accepted for the opportunity abroad.
自我测试
Fill in the missing parts of the phrase.
Für meine Gesundheit nehme ich den Verzicht auf Zucker gerne ___ ___ ___.
The fixed phrase is 'in Kauf nehmen'. In this sentence, 'nehme' is already at the start, so only 'in Kauf' is needed at the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Which one uses the correct word order and case?
'Das Risiko' is the Akkusativ object, and 'in Kauf' must be at the end.
Match the goal with the thing you would 'in Kauf nehmen'.
Goal: 'Ein billiges Flugticket'
A delay is a typical downside you accept for a cheap ticket.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Die neue Wohnung ist toll, aber sie hat keinen Balkon.' B: 'Das stimmt, aber für die zentrale Lage...'
This is the natural way to express accepting a missing feature for a better location.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
Acceptance Levels
练习题库
4 练习Für meine Gesundheit nehme ich den Verzicht auf Zucker gerne ___ ___ ___.
The fixed phrase is 'in Kauf nehmen'. In this sentence, 'nehme' is already at the start, so only 'in Kauf' is needed at the end.
Which one uses the correct word order and case?
'Das Risiko' is the Akkusativ object, and 'in Kauf' must be at the end.
Goal: 'Ein billiges Flugticket'
A delay is a typical downside you accept for a cheap ticket.
A: 'Die neue Wohnung ist toll, aber sie hat keinen Balkon.' B: 'Das stimmt, aber für die zentrale Lage...'
This is the natural way to express accepting a missing feature for a better location.
🎉 得分： /4
视频教程
在YouTube上查找关于这个短语的视频教程。
常见问题
12 个问题Usually no. You don't 'take a person in Kauf'. You might take their 'quirks' (Macken) in Kauf, but not the person themselves.
The thing you 'take in Kauf' is always a negative or a disadvantage, but the overall context is often positive because you're achieving a goal.
'Akzeptieren' is just 'yes'. 'In Kauf nehmen' is 'yes, even though I know there's a downside'. It's more nuanced.
It's neutral-to-formal. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfect for a business report.
Yes, if the context is already clear from the previous sentence.
No, it's metaphorical. It can be about time, effort, or emotions.
Use 'hat ... in Kauf genommen'. Example: 'Ich habe den Regen in Kauf genommen.'
Not really, but in slang, people might just say 'Ist halt so' (It is what it is).
No. You wouldn't say 'I take the sunshine in Kauf'.
Yes, it is standard German used everywhere.
It's rare but possible: 'Das Risiko wurde in Kauf genommen.'
Yes! B1 and B2 examiners love this phrase because it shows you can express complex thoughts.
相关表达
etwas wegstecken
similarTo stomach something / to take a hit
sich mit etwas abfinden
synonymTo resign oneself to something
einen Kompromiss eingehen
builds onTo make a compromise
den Preis zahlen für
similarTo pay the price for
