The verb bekommen means "to receive" or "to get" in German. It is used when someone is receiving or obtaining something, such as a gift, message, or service.
- Core meaning: to receive, get, obtain
- Used for things you are given, sent, or provided
- Regular verb for most uses (not to be confused with the noun der Bekommen)
'bekommen' means 'to receive', 'to get', or 'to obtain'.
Conjugation: Present Tense (Präsens)
bekommen is a regular verb in the present tense.
| Person | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ich bekomme | bekomme | I receive/get |
| du bekommst | bekommst | you receive/get (sing.) |
| er/sie/es bekommt | bekommt | he/she/it receives/gets |
| wir bekommen | bekommen | we receive/get |
| ihr bekommt | bekommt | you receive/get (pl.) |
| sie/Sie bekommen | bekommen | they/you (formal) receive/get |
'ich bekomme' is correct for 'I receive'...
Usage & Examples
bekommen is used for receiving things, not for giving or doing. It's often used with things like gifts, information, services, or emotions.
- You receive something → bekommen
- You give something → geben (not bekommen)
- You do/make something → machen (not bekommen)
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich bekomme einen Brief. | I receive a letter. |
| Bekommst du E-Mails? | Do you get emails? |
| Wir bekommen oft Besuch. | We often get visitors. |
| Sie bekommt viel Geld. | She receives a lot of money. |
'bekommen' is used for receiving, not for giving or doing.
Common Phrases
- etwas bekommen — to receive something
- Krankheit bekommen — to come down with an illness (literally to get sick)
- einen Auftrag bekommen — to get an assignment/order
- Post bekommen — to receive mail
'Ich bekomme Kaffee.' and 'Wir bekommen eine Einladung.' are correct. 'bekommen' is used for receiving something.
Exercises
- Conjugate bekommen for all subjects.
- Write 3 sentences about things you/the family/friends receive, using bekommen.
- Explain why you use bekommen, not geben, when you say "I receive a present."
Conclusion
bekommen is a key verb for expressing how things are received or obtained in German.
- Use it when you get/receive something (not when you give).
- Regular conjugation: ich bekomme, du bekommst, er bekommt...
- Common in everyday situations: mail, money, info, even illness!