erhalten
receive
Etwas bekommen oder in Besitz nehmen, das einem gegeben wird.
Definition & meaning
The verb erhalten has two primary meanings depending on the context:
- To receive, to get, to obtain: This is the most common usage, referring to being given or acquiring something (e.g., a letter, a gift, or an answer).
- To preserve, to maintain, to sustain: This refers to keeping something in its existing state, preventing it from decay, or providing the necessary means for something or someone to continue existing (e.g., preserving a historical building or supporting a family).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Type: Strong verb (irregular).
- Conjugation: erhalten (infinitive) – erhielt (past) – hat erhalten (perfect).
- Usage: It usually takes the accusative case.
Word origin: The word is composed of the prefix er- and the root halten . The prefix er- often denotes the successful completion of an action or the attainment of a goal, while halten means "to hold." Therefore, erhalten literally suggests "holding onto" or "securing" something.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms (Meaning 1 - to receive):
Synonyms (Meaning 2 - to preserve):
Antonyms (Meaning 1 - to receive):
Antonyms (Meaning 2 - to preserve):
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Examples
Ich erhalte regelmäßig Geschenke von meinen Freunden.verb
I regularly receive gifts from my friends.
Sie erhalten eine Bestätigung per E-Mail.verb
You will receive a confirmation by email.
Sie erhält regelmäßig eine Gehaltserhöhung.verb
She regularly receives a pay raise.
Der Polizist erhält wichtige Informationen.verb
The police officer receives important information.
Wir erhalten eine Belohnung für unsere Arbeit.verb
We receive a reward for our work.
Ich erhalte regelmäßig Briefe von meiner Großmutter.verb
I regularly receive letters from my grandmother.
Heute haben wir wichtige Informationen erhalten.verb
Today we have received important information.
Viele Studenten erhalten jedes Jahr ein Stipendium.verb
Many students receive a scholarship every year.
Viele Schüler erhalten neue Bücher zum Semesterbeginn.verb
Many students receive new books at the beginning of the semester.
Viele Schülerinnen und Schüler erhalten heute ihre Zeugnisse.verb
Many students receive their report cards today.
Viele Schüler erhalten heute ihre Zeugnisse.verb
Many students receive their report cards today.
Ich habe gestern einen langen Brief von meiner Tante erhalten.Word type unavailable
I received a long letter from my aunt yesterday.
Die erhaltenen Briefe liegen schon auf dem Tisch.Word type unavailable
The received letters are already lying on the table.
Hast du schon meinen Brief erhalten?Word type unavailable
Have you already received my letter?
Wann habt ihr euren neuen Arbeitsplan erhalten?Word type unavailable
When did you receive your new work schedule?
Hast du schon eine Antwort von der Firma erhalten?Word type unavailable
Have you already received an answer from the company?
Wir haben eine Einladung zum Essen erhalten.Word type unavailable
We have received an invitation to dinner.
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