German word

bekommen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈkɔmən/

Meaning

  • verbget

Example

Gestern bekam ich ein Paket von meiner Freundin.

Yesterday I got a package from my friend.

Illustration for bekommen (get)

More examples

Hast du die Nachricht bekommen?

Did you get the message?

Core concept

Something comes into a person's hands or circumstances, such as a parcel received or a condition that arises.

Common phrases

  • eine Nachricht bekommen

    get a message

  • einen Brief bekommen

    get a letter

  • eine E-Mail bekommen

    get an email

Similar words

kriegen: To get something in casual everyday language, such as a parcel or message.
erhalten: To receive a document or item in a formal setting.

Definition in German

Etwas gelangt in den Besitz oder in den Einflussbereich einer Person; das kann ein Gegenstand oder ein eingetretener Zustand sein.

Word origin

German bekommen developed from Middle High German bekommen, formed with be- and kommen, whose original sense was to come to someone and later extended to obtain or receive.

Usage tips

  • German bekommen means receive or get, not become; werden expresses the change into a new state.

Other meanings

  • obtainverb
  • acquireverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word