erwerben

/ɛɐ̯ˈvɛʁbn̩/

verb C1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present: erwirbt
past: erwarb
perfect: hat erworben

Meaning

to acquire
- Er erwarb ein kleines Grundstück.
  
  He acquired a small plot of land.
- Er erwarb das Haus vor zehn Jahren. Seitdem hat er viel renoviert.
  
  He acquired the house ten years ago. Since then he has renovated a lot.

Similar words

anschaffen

erwerben is more formal, like acquiring a skill or a company; anschaffen is more everyday, like buying an item for home use — both mean "to acquire."

aneignen

sich aneignen can have a negative connotation, to appropriate or take something for oneself, sometimes improperly; erwerben is more neutral — both mean "to acquire."

Similar in other languages

French

acquérir

acquérir is the French word for the same thing — both mean "to acquire."

Portuguese

adquirir

adquirir is the Portuguese word for the same thing — both mean "to acquire."

Practice

1 What does erwerben mean?

2 Fill the gap: Er ___ ein kleines Grundstück.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches erwerben?

verbirregular

Last updated 2026-09-24