German word

erstehen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈʃteːən/

Meaning

  • verbbuy

Example

Ich habe ein altes Buch erstanden.

I bought an old book.

Illustration for erstehen (buy)

More examples

Letzte Woche konnte ich bei einem Händler eine seltene Münze erstehen.

Last week I was able to buy a rare coin from a dealer.

Core concept

A desired thing changes from something merely available into something owned through a successful effort or purchase.

Common phrases

  • etwas erstehen

    buy something

  • auf dem Flohmarkt erstehen

    buy at the flea market

  • bei einem Händler erstehen

    buy from a dealer

Similar words

kaufen: Obtain a product or service by paying for it.
bekommen: Have something passed to you through a gift or delivery.
anschaffen: Purchase something needed for personal use.
erwerben: Obtain a thing or right through payment or effort.

Definition in German

Durch Bezahlung oder Aufwand etwas erwerben und in den eigenen Besitz bringen.

Word origin

Erstehen is an old Germanic verb related in form to stehen and shaped by er-, a prefix often associated with completed attainment.

Usage tips

  • In the acquisition sense, erstehen takes a direct object such as ein Buch; the separate sense 'arise' does not take an object in this way.

Other meanings

  • obtainverb

Opposites

Related words

  • erstandenacquiredadjective

Word lists with this word