erwerben
Translation
to acquire, to purchase, to gain
Examples
Er erwirbt das alte Haus.
He is acquiring the old house.
Sie erwirbt sich einen guten Ruf.
She is earning a good reputation.
Die Firma erwirbt neue Kunden.
The company is acquiring new customers.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to acquire sth. He acquires a car.
((sich3 sth.)) to earn oneself sth. She earns herself respect.
Similar Words
Synonyms: kaufen, bekommen, aneignen; Antonyms: verkaufen, verlieren
Etymology
From er- (achievement) + werben (originally 'to strive', now 'to advertise'). 'To gain through effort'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'werben' (to woo, to court). The 'er-' prefix means you succeeded. You've 'erworben' (acquired) it.