verb

besorgen

get

Etwas für jemanden erhalten, kaufen oder organisieren.

Definition & meaning

besorgen is a verb with two common meanings:

To get, obtain, or procure something, often by buying or arranging it.
Ich besorge noch Milch. — “I’ll get some more milk.”
To take care of or handle a task.
Sie besorgt die Anmeldung. — “She’ll take care of the registration.”

The exact meaning depends on context: it can refer to obtaining an item or dealing with a task.

Grammar & Word origin

besorgen is an infinitive verb. It is inseparable: its past participle is besorgt, not gebesorgt. Its principal forms are besorgte (simple past) and hat besorgt (present perfect).

It consists of the prefix be- and sorgen . In this verb, be- helps form a transitive verb—one that usually takes a direct object.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary with the meaning:

For getting something: beschaffen is a close synonym, often emphasizing finding or securing something; kaufen specifically means “to buy”; organisieren emphasizes arranging or making something happen.
For handling a task: erledigen means “to complete” or “get done,” while übernehmen means “to take responsibility for.”