Dictionary
English - German

Buy

baɪ
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

kaufen, erwerben

Buy meanings in German

kaufen

Example:
I want to buy a new phone.
Ich möchte ein neues Handy kaufen.
She buys fresh flowers every week.
Sie kauft jede Woche frische Blumen.
Usage: formal/informalContext: General usage in everyday conversations and formal settings
Note: The most common translation of 'buy' in Deutsch.

erwerben

Example:
He bought a rare painting at the auction.
Er erwarb ein seltenes Gemälde bei der Auktion.
They plan to buy a house in the countryside.
Sie planen, ein Haus auf dem Land zu erwerben.
Usage: formalContext: More formal or legal contexts
Note: Can imply a more serious or substantial purchase.

Buy's synonyms

purchase

To acquire something by paying for it.
Example: I need to purchase a new laptop for work.
Note: Purchase is a formal term often used in professional or business contexts.

acquire

To gain possession or control of something.
Example: She acquired a rare painting at the auction.
Note: Acquire is a more general term that can refer to obtaining something through various means, not just by paying for it.

procure

To obtain or bring about by effort.
Example: The company needed to procure new equipment for the project.
Note: Procure implies obtaining something through effort or special means, often in a formal or official capacity.

obtain

To come into possession of something.
Example: He obtained a copy of the report from the archives.
Note: Obtain is a neutral term that can refer to acquiring something through various methods, including purchase.

get

To come into possession of something through one's actions.
Example: I need to get some groceries on the way home.
Note: Get is a common and informal term that can refer to acquiring something in a general sense, not necessarily through a transaction.

Buy expressions, common phrases

Buy time

To delay an event or action by using various tactics or excuses.
Example: He knew he was in trouble, so he tried to buy time by making excuses.
Note: The phrase 'buy time' does not involve an actual purchase but rather refers to delaying something.

Buy in

To accept or support a particular idea, plan, or belief.
Example: The team needs everyone to buy in to the new strategy for it to be successful.
Note: In this context, 'buy in' means to get others to believe in or support something, rather than a physical purchase.

Buy the farm

To die or pass away.
Example: He always talked about traveling the world before he bought the farm.
Note: This idiom is a euphemism for death and has no direct connection to purchasing property.

Buy off

To bribe someone in order to gain their favor or cooperation.
Example: The company tried to buy off the critics by offering them free products.
Note: In this context, 'buy off' involves offering something to influence someone's actions rather than a straightforward purchase.

Buy the bullet

To face a difficult situation or make a necessary but unpleasant decision.
Example: He had to buy the bullet and confess to his mistake.
Note: This phrase means to confront a challenging circumstance rather than making a literal purchase.

Buy into

To believe in or accept a particular concept or ideology.
Example: She didn't buy into the idea that success is solely based on luck.
Note: Similar to 'buy in,' this phrase emphasizes the acceptance or belief in an idea rather than a monetary transaction.

Buy the idea

To accept or approve of a proposal or suggestion.
Example: I'm not sure if the team will buy the idea of changing the project deadline.
Note: In this context, 'buy the idea' refers to accepting a proposal or suggestion rather than making a purchase.

Buy everyday (slang) expressions

Score

To obtain something, usually at a good deal or price.
Example: I scored a new laptop at a great price!
Note: It emphasizes getting something at a good value.

Splurge

To spend a lot of money on something indulgent or luxurious.
Example: I decided to splurge on those designer shoes.
Note: It implies spending extravagantly rather than just buying.

Snag

To grab or acquire something quickly, often before others.
Example: I managed to snag the last concert ticket!
Note: It conveys a sense of quick action or opportunity.

Cop

To buy or acquire something, especially clothing or accessories.
Example: I need to cop some new sneakers for the party.
Note: It is commonly used in informal contexts, especially related to fashion items.

Pick up

To buy or obtain something, often casually or spontaneously.
Example: I'm going to pick up some groceries on the way home.
Note: It suggests a casual or routine purchase.

Get hold of

To acquire or obtain something that may be difficult to find or access.
Example: I finally managed to get hold of that limited edition vinyl record.
Note: It implies overcoming obstacles or challenges to acquire something.

Grab

To quickly buy or obtain something, often used for small items or necessities.
Example: Can you grab some drinks for the party tonight?
Note: It emphasizes a swift action in acquiring something essential.

Buy - Examples

I want to buy a new phone.
Ich möchte ein neues Telefon kaufen.
She always buys fresh vegetables at the market.
Sie kauft immer frisches Gemüse auf dem Markt.
The company decided to acquire a smaller competitor.
Das Unternehmen hat beschlossen, einen kleineren Wettbewerber zu erwerben.

Buy grammar

Buy - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: buy
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): buys
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): buy
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): bought
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): bought
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): buying
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): buys
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): buy
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): buy
Syllables, Separation and Stress
buy Contains 1 syllables: buy
Phonetic transcription: ˈbī
buy , ˈbī (The red syllable is stressed)

Buy - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
buy: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy, efficient language learning
Vocafy helps you discover, organize, and learn new words and phrases with ease. Build personalized vocabulary collections, and practice anytime, anywhere.