erwerben
Translation
to acquire, to purchase, to gain, to earn
Examples
Er möchte ein altes Haus erwerben.
He would like to acquire an old house.
Sie hat sich im Ausland Kenntnisse erworben.
She acquired knowledge abroad.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to acquire/purchase sth. He acquired a large fortune.
sich (dat) ((sth.)) to acquire sth. (for oneself, e.g. skills) She has acquired many skills.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to purchase, to obtain, to attain
Etymology
Composed of 'er-' (prefix indicating completion) and 'werben' (to strive for, to recruit). It means to successfully gain something.
Memory Tips
Connect 'werben' (to woo, advertise) with the result 'er-'. You 'woo' a skill or property until you 'erwerben' (acquire) it.