Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| besorgen | ||
| holen | /ˈhoːlən/ | |
| erwischen | [ɛʁˈvɪ.ʃən] (narrow) [ɛɐ̯ˈvɪ.ʃn̩] (narrow) |
|
| kriegen | /ˈkriːɡən/ (Germany, standard) /ˈkriəɡən/ (Southern Germany, dialectal) |
colloquial |
| sich schnappen | /zɪç ˈʃnapən/ (word by word) | |
| anschaffen | /ˈanˌʃafən/ |
In German, the English word 'get' can be translated in many ways. Because the English word is so broad, you must choose a German verb that specifies the exact type of action taking place.
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb depends on how you are getting something. Use holen when you are going to a specific location to retrieve something or someone and bringing them back. Use besorgen when the focus is on the effort of providing something, often by running an errand or making a purchase. If 'get' means to grab or snatch something through a quick, physical movement, use sich schnappen. For the meaning 'to catch' or 'to get hold of' someone in the act or to seize something suddenly, use erwischen. When 'get' refers to the formal or significant acquisition of an item, such as a vehicle or equipment, use anschaffen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The verb kriegen is a common colloquial substitute for bekommen (to receive/get) in spoken German and has a casual tone. For formal contexts meaning 'to get' or 'to receive', use erhalten. To express 'to acquire' in formal settings, use erwerben. The verb bekommen is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Did you know?
- While bekommen means 'to get' or 'to receive', it is a classic false friend for English speakers because it never means 'to become'.
- The colloquial word kriegen is actually derived from Krieg, the German word for 'war'. It originally described the act of conquering land or property through conflict.
- The verb besorgen contains the root Sorge, which means 'worry' or 'care'. To 'get' something in this sense implies taking care of a task or responsibility.
Examples in context
- Ich werde es holen.I'll get it.This sentence shows how to use holen to express retrieving an object.Tatoeba #1313776 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #246823 by CK
- Ich muss Tom holen.I have to get Tom.This sentence demonstrates using holen to mean fetching a person.Tatoeba #6644006 by Felixjp, translation #2360494 by CK
- Ich muss sie holen.I have to get her.This sentence illustrates using holen to mean fetching a female person.Tatoeba #11391370 by mayabe, translation #3916240 by CH
- Ich habe eine Einladung erhalten.I have received an invitation.
- Kann ich den Schlüssel bekommen?Can I get the key?
- Er hat das Buch erworben.He has acquired the book.
- Kann ich das Buch kriegen?Can I get the book?
- Geh bitte Wasser holen!Please go and get some water!
- Kannst du mich vom Bahnhof abholen?Can you pick me up from the train station?
- 325 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are planning a small party at home.
- HannahKannst du bitte noch Eis besorgen?Can you please get some ice too?
- LukasJa, ich werde das Eis besorgen.Yes, I will get the ice.
- HannahVergiss bitte nicht, auch Getränke zu besorgen.Please don't forget to get drinks as well.
- LukasKeine Sorge, ich besorge alles für uns.Don't worry, I'll get everything for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “get” translations and entries besorgen, holen, erwischen, kriegen, anschaffen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sich, schnappen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries besorgen, erwischen, holen, kriegen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
