German Conversation · Level 128
44 words
German word
beschaffen
Pronunciation
IPA/bəˈʃafn̩/
Meaning
- verbget
Example
Ich beschaffe die nötigen Unterlagen.
I get the necessary documents.
More examples
Er konnte trotz kurzer Frist die Ersatzteile beschaffen.
He was able to get the spare parts despite the short deadline.
Core concept
A needed resource is secured through purposeful sourcing rather than simply found by chance.
Common phrases
Zugang zu Daten beschaffen
get access to data
Ersatzteile beschaffen
get spare parts
Zutaten beschaffen
get ingredients
Similar words
besorgen: To get something needed by buying it or arranging to obtain it.
bekommen: To receive something from another person and take possession of it.
kaufen: To obtain a product or service by paying for it.
erwerben: To formally obtain a product or right in exchange for payment.
Definition in German
aktiv dafür sorgen, dass etwas verfügbar wird, etwa durch Kauf, Bestellung oder Organisation.
Word origin
Beschaffen is a be- derivative of schaffen, a Germanic verb historically associated with making and arranging, with the resulting verb meaning to obtain or secure something.
Usage tips
- Besorgen is usually more natural in casual conversation, whereas beschaffen often sounds official, deliberate, or task-focused.
Other meanings
- procureverb
- secureverb
Related words
- Beschaffungprocurementnoun
- Beschaffungswesenprocurement operationsnoun
- Beschaffungsamtprocurement officenoun