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Kaufen

German → American English

American English

Buy

etwas gegen Geld erwerben; to buy

Ich will mir heute ein neues Handy kaufen.

Kaufen is the neutral, everyday word for “to buy.” Use einkaufen more for going shopping or buying groceries, and kaufen with a direct object: etwas kaufen.

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kaufen” mean in English?
“Kaufen” means “to buy.”
Is “kaufen” a regular verb in German?
Yes. It is a regular verb: ich kaufe, du kaufst, er/sie/es kauft, wir kaufen, ihr kauft, sie kaufen.
What is the past tense of “kaufen”?
The simple past is “kaufte,” and the past participle is “gekauft.”
What’s the difference between “kaufen” and “einkaufen”?
“Kaufen” means “to buy” in general, while “einkaufen” often means “to go shopping” or “to shop for groceries.”