01
einkaufen
to shop
To buy everyday goods, especially groceries, in stores.
example
Freitagnachmittag gehe ich immer für das Wochenende einkaufen.
On Friday afternoons, I always go shopping for the weekend.
einkaufen
to shop
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einkaufen' (to shop) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich kaufe schnell für das Abendessen ein.
I'll quickly shop for dinner.
Use without an object
'Einkaufen' (to shop) is often used without a direct object to describe the general activity of shopping. A very common combination is 'einkaufen gehen' (to go shopping).
EXAMPLE
Am Samstagvormittag gehen viele Leute einkaufen.
Many people go shopping on Saturday mornings.
Fixed structure
This special meaning has a fixed grammatical structure: 'sich in etwas (Akkusativ) einkaufen' (to buy into something). Here the verb is always reflexive.
EXAMPLE
Der Investor wollte sich in den erfolgreichen Fußballverein einkaufen.
The investor wanted to buy into the successful football club.
Register
This meaning of 'einkaufen' (to buy into) is used almost exclusively in an economic or business context. It is about becoming part of something through money.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich in die Anwaltskanzlei eingekauft und ist jetzt Partnerin.
She bought into the law firm and is now a partner.
Compare with
einkaufen vs kaufen
to buy
'kaufen' and 'einkaufen' both mean that you get goods in exchange for money. 'kaufen' is more general and fits almost any individual item, for example a bicycle, a book, or a ticket. 'einkaufen' is used more for the whole trip or activity, especially when you are getting groceries or everyday items. So you are more likely to say 'Ich kaufe ein Brot' (I am buying a loaf of bread) for the individual item, but 'Ich gehe einkaufen' (I am going shopping) for the whole errand.
einkaufen
Nach dem Unterricht kauft der Mitarbeiter noch für das Abendessen ein.
After class, the employee does some shopping for dinner.
kaufen
Kannst du auf dem Heimweg bitte Brot kaufen?
Could you please buy bread on your way home?
In real life
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