der  Erwerb

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛʁˈvɛʁb/

📜 What does "der Erwerb" mean?

Der Erwerb (noun, masculine) describes the process or the result of acquiring something. It mainly has two nuances:

1. Acquisition or Purchase: The process of bringing something into one's possession, often through buying. Example: Der Erwerb eines Hauses ist eine große Entscheidung. (The acquisition of a house is a big decision.)
2. Earning(s) or Income: Obtaining money or income through work or activity. Example: Sein Hauptaugenmerk liegt auf dem Erwerb des Lebensunterhalts. (His main focus is on earning a livelihood.)

It derives from the verb erwerben (to acquire, to earn). ⚠️ Be careful: Don't confuse it with „Erwerbung“, which is often used for the act of collecting (e.g., in museums), but „Erwerb“ is more common.

🧐 Grammar of "der Erwerb" in Detail

The noun „Erwerb“ is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences for Grammar

• Der Erwerb von Sprachkenntnissen ist wichtig. (The acquisition of language skills is important. - Nominative Singular)
• Die Kosten des Erwerbs waren hoch. (The costs of the acquisition were high. - Genitive Singular)
• Wir widmen uns dem Erwerbe neuer Fähigkeiten. (We dedicate ourselves to the acquisition of new skills. - Dative Singular)
• Sie feierten den erfolgreichen Erwerb des Unternehmens. (They celebrated the successful acquisition of the company. - Accusative Singular)
• Die verschiedenen Erwerbe wurden dokumentiert. (The various acquisitions were documented. - Nominative Plural)

💡 How to use "der Erwerb"?

„Der Erwerb“ is often used in formal or economic contexts:

• Real Estate & Possessions: Der Erwerb von Grundstücken unterliegt bestimmten Regeln. (The acquisition of land is subject to certain rules.)
• Economy & Finance: Der Erwerb von Aktien birgt Risiken. (The acquisition of stocks involves risks.) / Das Einkommen aus selbstständigem Erwerb muss versteuert werden. (Income from self-employed earnings must be taxed.)
• Education & Skills: Der Erwerb von Wissen ist ein lebenslanger Prozess. (The acquisition of knowledge is a lifelong process.)
• Working World: Viele Menschen gehen einem regelmäßigen Erwerb nach. (Many people pursue regular employment/earning. - in the sense of Erwerbstätigkeit)

Difference to „Kauf“ (Purchase): While „Kauf“ refers to the specific act of paying for and receiving goods, „Erwerb“ is often more general and can also mean the entire process or abstract attainment (e.g., of skills).

Difference to „Einkommen/Verdienst“ (Income/Earnings): „Erwerb“ can mean income, but often emphasizes the act of earning or the source of income (e.g., „Einkünfte aus nichtselbständigem Erwerb“ - income from dependent employment).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Erwerb"

Article Mnemonic (der)

Imagine a man (der Mann) who is very proud of his new acquisition (Erwerb), maybe a car. He polishes it and says: "Der ist mein ganzer Stolz!" (This one is my pride and joy!). Connect the masculine 'der' with the man proud of 'der Erwerb'.

Meaning Mnemonic (Acquisition/Earning)

Erwerb sounds a bit like "Air-verb". Imagine you need to *verb* (work) hard even just to get *air* (basic necessities) - that's earning (Erwerb). Or, think of acquiring something valuable, perhaps needing special clearance like getting on the *air*waves - that's acquisition (Erwerb). Alternatively, link 'werben' (part of erwerben) to 'advertising' - you advertise to *earn* money or to *acquire* customers.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "der Erwerb"

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Die Erwerbung: Similar, but often more specific to collections (e.g., museum acquisitions).
• Das Gewerbe: Refers to a trade or business (self-employed activity), not the acquisition/earning itself.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: „Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Erwerb und Diebstahl?“
Fritzchen: „Beim Erwerb bekommt man eine Quittung!“

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what's the difference between acquisition (Erwerb) and theft?"
Fritzchen: "With an acquisition, you get a receipt!"

✍️ Poem about "der Erwerb"

Ob Wissen, Gut, ob Hab und Geld,
Der Erwerb ist's, was oft gefällt.
Mal durch Arbeit, Schweiß und Fleiß,
Mal durch Kauf zu gutem Preis.
Ein Haus, ein Buch, ein neues Recht,
Der Erwerb ist manchmal gar nicht schlecht.
Doch denk daran, bei aller Gier,
Was zählt am End', sind Mensch und Tier.

Translation:
Be it knowledge, goods, possessions or money,
The acquisition (Erwerb) is what often pleases.
Sometimes through work, sweat and diligence,
Sometimes through purchase at a good price.
A house, a book, a new right,
The acquisition (Erwerb) is sometimes not bad at all.
But remember, despite all greed,
What counts in the end are people and animals.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich kann ein Haus sein, das du kaufst,
oder Lohn, für den du laufst.
Ich bin das Ziel von Arbeit oft,
manchmal erhofft, manchmal geschafft.
Ich bin maskulin, das ist mein Los,
mein Anfangsbuchstab' macht mich groß.

Was bin ich?
... Der Erwerb

Translation:
I can be a house that you buy,
or wages for which you run and try.
I am often the goal of work's demand,
sometimes hoped for, sometimes close at hand.
I am masculine, that is my fate,
My first letter makes me great (capitalized).

What am I?
... Der Erwerb

More to Explore

Word Breakdown & Origin

Der Erwerb comes from the verb erwerben (to acquire, to earn). The prefix er- often indicates achieving a goal or result (as in erkämpfen - to fight for and win, erlangen - to attain). The root werben originally meant “to turn, to strive, to be active”. Taken together, it means the result of striving or doing.

Related Terms

• Erwerbstätigkeit: Gainful employment; the activity through which one earns a living.
• Erwerbsminderung: Reduced earning capacity; a reduction in the ability to earn income through work (often in the context of pensions).
• Erwerbslos: Unemployed; without work and income.
• Nebenerwerb: Secondary employment; an additional job besides the main one.