Besorgung

Besorgung is a German noun derived from the verb besorgen. It denotes the act of obtaining something, i.e., the procurement or acquisition of goods or services. In everyday language, the term is also used for errands or tasks undertaken on someone’s behalf, such as shopping or arranging needed items. The plural Besorgungen appears when referring to multiple errands.

Etymology and nuance: Besorgen originally conveyed the sense of taking care of a matter. Over time, it shifted toward obtaining or arranging what is needed. In standard modern usage, the distinction between Besorgung and Beschaffung is often seen: Beschaffung is the more formal, business-oriented term for procurement within organizations, while Besorgung tends to emphasize personal errands or day-to-day tasks, and may appear in informal speech or older texts.

Usage and contexts: In daily life one might say, “Ich muss noch Besorgungen erledigen” or “Ich habe die Besorgung der Lebensmittel übernommen.” In professional or institutional contexts, Beschaffung is the preferred term for formal procurement processes, supplier selection, and supply-chain activities. Nevertheless, Besorgung can still appear in phrases such as “Besorgung von Ersatzteilen” in a less formal or older register, or to describe personal tasks delegated to someone else.

See also: Related concepts include Einkauf (purchase), Beschaffung (procurement in business), und Erledigungen (errands). The word shares with Besorgen the notion of taking care of needs, but Besorgung specifically centers on the act of obtaining or arranging what is required.