German Conversation · Level 139
28 words
German word
ergattern
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈgatɐn/
Meaning
- verbsnag
Example
Ich ergatterte zwei Karten für das Konzert.
I snagged two tickets for the concert.
More examples
Bei einer Auktion ergatterte er ein altes Gemälde.
At an auction, he snagged an old painting.
Core concept
A quick, lucky grab of a coveted item before someone else gets it.
Common phrases
ein seltenes Buch ergattern
snag a rare book
einen Auftrag ergattern
snag an assignment
ein besonderes Stück ergattern
snag a special item
Similar words
bekommen: To have an item or piece of information come into one's possession.
kriegen: To get something in an informal, conversational way.
erhalten: To receive something in an official or formal setting.
erhaschen: To obtain something by taking advantage of a fleeting chance.
Definition in German
Umgangssprachliches Verb, durch Glück, Schnelligkeit oder Geschick etwas Begehrtes in den Besitz bringen.
Word origin
Ergattern comes from older German ergateren and is related to dialectal gattern, meaning to catch or seize.
Usage tips
- Ergattern is colloquial and usually takes a specific accusative object, especially a scarce item such as Karten or Plätze.