purchase / acquisition
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purchase / acquisition
The act of buying, especially in a business, public, or formal context, such as the acquisition of goods, real estate, or works of art.
Der Ankauf neuer Computer für die Schule wurde vom Stadtrat genehmigt.
The purchase of new computers for the school was approved by the city council.
'Der Ankauf' (the purchase/acquisition) is the nominalization of the verb 'ankaufen' (to purchase/acquire). The verb describes the deliberate act of buying, often from a business perspective. The noun names this process.
Die Firma plant den Ankauf weiterer Maschinen.
The company is planning the purchase of additional machines.
'Ankauf' (purchase/acquisition) is a formal word used mainly in business, legal, or official contexts. In everyday language for private purchases, people are more likely to use 'der Kauf' (the purchase) or 'der Einkauf' (the shopping/purchase).
Das Museum gab den Ankauf eines wertvollen Gemäldes bekannt.
The museum announced the acquisition of a valuable painting.
'Ankauf' (purchase/acquisition) is often used with the preposition 'von' (of) to name the object being bought. A very common fixed expression is also 'Ankauf und Verkauf' (buying and selling).
Sein Geschäft ist auf den Ankauf und Verkauf von Antiquitäten spezialisiert.
His business specializes in the buying and selling of antiques.
purchase
'der Kauf' and 'der Ankauf' both mean that something is acquired in exchange for money. 'der Kauf' is the normal, general word and fits in almost all everyday situations. 'der Ankauf' sounds more formal and is often used when a company, authority, or museum buys something deliberately, for example goods, real estate, or works of art. The words can be confused because both describe a purchasing process. If you simply want to say that someone is buying something, 'der Kauf' is usually more natural. 'der Ankauf' fits better in business or official texts.
Der Ankauf alter Bücher ist für die Bibliothek nur mit Genehmigung möglich.
The purchase of old books is only possible for the library with approval.
Sie hat den Kauf des Sofas in einer kurzen E-Mail bestätigt.
She confirmed the purchase of the sofa in a short email.