German word

liefern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈliːfɐn/

Meaning

  • verbdeliver

Example

Die Post liefert das Paket heute.

The post office is delivering the package today.

Illustration for liefern (deliver)

More examples

Das Restaurant liefert die Pizza schnell.

The restaurant delivers the pizza quickly.

Core concept

A supplier sends what is needed to a specified place or person.

Common phrases

  • schnell liefern

    quickly deliver

  • kostenlos liefern

    deliver free of charge

  • per Kurier liefern

    deliver by courier

Similar words

bringen: Taking something from one place to another person or place.
abholen: Going somewhere to collect a person or item.
senden: Dispatching a letter or item so it reaches the recipient.

Definition in German

Etwas an einen bestimmten Ort oder an eine bestimmte Person geben oder zustellen.

Word origin

Liefern comes through Middle High German lievern from Middle Low German leveren, whose older sense involved handing over goods.

Usage tips

  • Unlike bringen, liefern often suggests an arranged or commercial delivery, even when a person is the subject.

Other meanings

  • supplyverb
  • provideverb
  • bringverb

Opposites

Related words

  • die Lieferungdeliverynoun
  • der Lieferdienstdelivery servicenoun
  • Lieferfristdelivery deadlinenoun

Word lists with this word