01
besorgen
to get
To obtain, buy, or fetch something for someone or for a specific purpose.
example
Könntest du auf dem Rückweg bitte noch Milch besorgen?
Could you please get some milk on the way back?
besorgen
to get / to take care of
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Besorgen' is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'sorgen' in all sentence forms and tenses and is never placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich besorge die Getränke für die Party.
I'll get the drinks for the party.
Dative construction
'Besorgen' is very often used with a person in the dative to express for whom something is obtained or taken care of. The structure is then: subject + besorgt + [person in the dative] + [thing in the accusative].
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte einen Kaffee besorgen?
Can you please get me a coffee?
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'beschaffen' (to obtain), the verb is often used for everyday errands. Typical objects are: groceries, drinks, medication, a gift, or tickets.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe zur Apotheke, um die Medikamente für Oma zu besorgen.
I'm going to the pharmacy to get Grandma's medication.
Reflexive use
The reflexive form 'sich etwas besorgen' (to get oneself something) is often used informally and for negative things that one gets. It is typically combined with illnesses: 'sich eine Erkältung besorgen' (to catch/get a cold).
EXAMPLE
Zieh eine Jacke an, sonst besorgst du dir noch eine Lungenentzündung!
Put on a jacket, or you'll get yourself pneumonia!
Colloquial expression
The idiom 'es jemandem besorgen' is strongly colloquial and has a very direct, often aggressive or sexual meaning. The person the action is directed at is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er hat seinem Gegner gedroht: „Warte nur, dir werde ich es besorgen!“
He threatened his opponent: 'Just you wait, I'll give it to you!'
Formal meaning
The meaning 'beunruhigen' (to worry/concern) is outdated or belongs to a very formal, written context. In normal usage, it is hardly used actively anymore, but you should be able to understand it.
EXAMPLE
Die wirtschaftliche Lage des Landes besorgte die Experten.
The country's economic situation worried the experts.
Compare with
besorgen vs bekommen
to get / receive
'bekommen' and 'besorgen' can both have to do with things that you have in the end. The important difference lies in how you get there. 'bekommen' emphasizes that something arrives with someone or that someone receives something. 'besorgen' emphasizes the active action: you take care of it, fetch something, buy it, or organize it. Learners may confuse the words because the result can be similar. If you want to say that someone receives something, 'bekommen' fits. If someone actively makes sure that something is available, 'besorgen' fits better.
besorgen
Für die Feier besorgt Tom noch Getränke und Papierbecher.
For the party, Tom still gets drinks and paper cups.
bekommen
Nach der Anmeldung bekommt Lisa eine E-Mail mit allen Informationen.
After registering, Lisa gets an email with all the information.
In real life
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