to sell
Loading your saved state.
to sell
To sell something, usually something of greater value such as real estate, shares, or a company. This is a formal, often legal term.
Aus finanziellen Gründen musste er sein Unternehmen veräußern.
For financial reasons, he had to sell his company.
The verb is derived from 'außer' (outside). To 'veräußern' (to sell/dispose of) something literally means to bring it 'outside' one's own possession. This helps explain the meaning of formally giving up or selling something.
Er musste seine wertvolle Uhrensammlung veräußern.
He had to sell his valuable watch collection.
This word belongs to formal language and is used mainly in legal or business contexts. In everyday language, you would say 'verkaufen' (to sell).
Im Testament wurde festgelegt, wie das Vermögen zu veräußern ist.
The will specified how the assets are to be sold.
'Veräußern' (to sell/dispose of) is typically used for the sale of things with high value or legal significance. Common objects are real estate, plots of land, company shares, or entire companies.
Die Erben beschlossen, das geerbte Grundstück zu veräußern.
The heirs decided to sell the inherited plot of land.
In the rare meaning 'seine Meinung äußern' (to express one's opinion), the verb is reflexive ('sich veräußern' = to express oneself) and is often combined with the preposition 'zu' (about/on). This use is extremely formal and is found almost only in written language.
Der Minister wollte sich nicht zu den Gerüchten veräußern.
The minister did not want to express himself about the rumors.
to buy
'kaufen' and 'veräußern' are on two sides of a transaction in this meaning. Someone who buys something receives it in exchange for money. Someone who 'veräußert' something gives it away in exchange for money. 'kaufen' is the normal everyday word. 'veräußern' sounds formal and is more suitable for larger assets, for example an apartment, a company, or shares. In everyday speech, people usually say 'verkaufen' (to sell); 'veräußern' is more likely to be heard in contracts, news reports, or official conversations.
Die Familie möchte das alte Haus im Sommer veräußern.
The family would like to sell the old house in the summer.
Nach der Arbeit kauft Maria ein neues Fahrrad.
After work, Maria buys a new bicycle.