erkaufen
buy
Etwas durch Zahlung von Geld oder durch das Gewähren von Vorteilen erhalten, oft auch im übertragenen Sinn gemeint, wenn man sich etwas durch eigene Mittel oder Opfer sichern will.
The German word "erkaufen" is a verb meaning "to buy" or more specifically "to obtain by buying", often with a nuance of paying a high price or sacrificing something else to get it.
It is formed from the prefix "er-" and the verb "kaufen" (to buy). The prefix "er-" often indicates achieving or obtaining something.
Similar words:
- kaufen – to buy (neutral, general)
- erwerben – to acquire or obtain (formal/legal)
- besorgen – to procure or get (informal)
Difference:
- erkaufen implies that something is gained at a cost, sometimes with a hint of sacrifice or a high price.
- kaufen is the general term without additional connotation.
- erwerben is more formal and usually refers to acquiring rights, property, or knowledge.
- besorgen emphasizes the effort of getting something rather than just buying.
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Examples
Er kann Erfolg nicht einfach erkaufen.verb
He cannot simply buy success.
Mit Fleiß lässt sich vieles erkaufen.verb
With diligence, many things can be bought.
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