kaufen

buy

verb KOW-fen Common

Usage Note

kaufen takes a direct object in the accusative and the seller in the dative with bei or von. The separable derivative einkaufen means 'to go shopping (for groceries)', while verkaufen is 'to sell'. Colloquially das kaufe ich dir nicht ab means 'I don't buy that from you'.

Examples

"Ich kaufe morgen ein neues Auto."

Natural Translation

I'm buying a new car tomorrow.

Literal Translation

I buy tomorrow a new car.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Du vs. Sie: When to Use Each in German

Use Sie with strangers, elders, and at work; use du with friends, family, kids, and peers. Here's how to pick the right German you every time.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Cases Explained Simply (4 Cases)

German has four cases, and each answers one question: wer, wen, wem, wessen. Learn nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive without drowning in charts.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Word Order: The Verb Rules That Trip You Up

German word order comes down to three verb-position rules: the verb is second in main clauses, last after weil and dass, and time comes before place.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German False Friends: 25 Words That Trick You

German false friends like Gift (poison) and bekommen (to receive) trick English speakers daily. Here are 25 words that mean the opposite of what you'd guess.

June 5, 2026 5 min read