indkøb

Indkøb is a Danish noun that refers to the act of purchasing goods or services. In everyday use it typically denotes shopping, especially grocery shopping, but can also mean shopping in a broader sense, including online purchases. In a business context, indkøb covers procurement, sourcing, and supplier management, often handled by a dedicated indkøbsafdeling or procurement function.

The term combines ind- (in, into) with køb (purchase). Historically, indkøb indicated bringing goods into a home or store, and the concept covers both consumer purchases and organizational procurement.

In everyday language, people talk about doing indkøb or managing an indkøbsliste (shopping list). Related terms include indkøbsvogn or indkøbskurv for the shopping cart, and indkøbscenter for a shopping mall or retail center. The phrase online indkøb or e-indkøb is common as e-commerce grows.

In a corporate setting, indkøb involves activities such as supplier selection, tendering, price negotiation, contract management, issuing purchase orders, and coordinating delivery and inventory. The goal is to balance cost, quality, and reliability while meeting budget and compliance requirements. Modern procurement often relies on digital systems and standardized processes to optimize efficiency and transparency.

Culturally, shopping and provisioning are everyday routines in Denmark, with routines and habits reflected in terms like “dagens indkøb” (today’s shopping) and public or cooperative grocery formats. The concept of indkøb thus spans both personal consumption and formal organizational purchasing.