der Erwerb
acquisition
The process of buying or taking possession of something.
EXAMPLE
Der Erwerb von Wohneigentum ist eine große finanzielle Entscheidung.
The acquisition of residential property is a major financial decision.
der Erwerb
acquisition / livelihood
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Meanings
der Erwerb
livelihood
The activity by which one earns one's living; gainful employment.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Krankheit konnte er seinem Erwerb nicht mehr nachgehen.
After a long illness, he was no longer able to pursue his livelihood.
der Erwerb
acquisition
Something that has been acquired; a purchase or new acquisition.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum stellte stolz seinen neuesten Erwerb aus, ein Gemälde aus dem 17. Jahrhundert.
The museum proudly exhibited its latest acquisition, a painting from the 17th century.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Erwerb' (acquisition) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'erwerben' (to acquire). The prefix 'er-' often expresses that a result is achieved through an action or effort. 'Erwerben' therefore means to get something through purchase, work, or learning.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich im Ausland wertvolle Sprachkenntnisse erworben.
She acquired valuable language skills abroad.
Register
The word 'Erwerb' (acquisition) is used mainly in written language and in formal or official contexts. It sounds more elevated and more formal than, for example, 'der Kauf' (the purchase).
EXAMPLE
Der Erwerb der deutschen Staatsbürgerschaft ist an Bedingungen geknüpft.
The acquisition of German citizenship is subject to conditions.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Kauf' (purchase), 'Erwerb' (acquisition) is often combined with the preposition 'von' and a noun in the dative to say what is being acquired. Typical examples are 'der Erwerb von Immobilien' (the acquisition of real estate), 'der Erwerb von Aktien' (the acquisition of shares), or 'der Erwerb von Kenntnissen' (the acquisition of knowledge/skills).
EXAMPLE
Wir planen den Erwerb von neuen Maschinen für die Produktion.
We are planning the acquisition of new machines for production.
Context clue
The meaning 'Erwerbstätigkeit' (gainful employment) is rarer today and is found mainly in legal or sociological texts. A typical expression is 'seinem Erwerb nachgehen', which means 'to work in order to earn money'.
EXAMPLE
Die Statistik erfasst alle Personen, die einem regelmäßigen Erwerb nachgehen.
The statistics record all people who pursue regular gainful employment.
Context clue
When 'Erwerb' (acquisition) refers to something purchased or obtained, the word is countable and can be used in the plural. This usage is typical for museums, libraries, or collections that talk about their 'neuen Erwerbe' (new acquisitions).
EXAMPLE
Die Bibliothek präsentiert ihre wertvollsten Erwerbe des letzten Jahres.
The library is presenting its most valuable acquisitions from last year.
Compare with
Erwerb vs Kauf
purchase
Kauf and Erwerb can both refer to obtaining something. Kauf specifically denotes the process of acquiring something in exchange for payment and is common in everyday language. Erwerb is broader, since it can also refer to another transfer of possession, and it often sounds more formal.
Erwerb
Die Urkunde bestätigt den Erwerb des Grundstücks.
The document confirms the acquisition of the property.
Kauf
Wir haben den Kauf des Grundstücks lange geplant.
We had been planning the purchase of the property for a long time.
In real life
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