German word

erhalten

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈhaltən/

Meaning

  • verbget

Example

Ich habe das Paket erhalten.

I got the package.

Illustration for erhalten (get)

More examples

Ich habe heute eine Antwort erhalten.

I received a reply today.

Core concept

A package reaches a person's hands and remains in their possession, while a condition can likewise be kept intact.

Common phrases

  • eine Nachricht erhalten

    receive a message

  • eine E-Mail erhalten

    receive an email

  • eine Antwort erhalten

    receive a reply

Similar words

bekommen: To get an item or information in everyday speech.
entgegennehmen: To formally take delivery of a package or document.
kriegen: To get an item or information in casual everyday speech.
annehmen: To accept something handed over by another person.

Definition in German

etwas von jemandem empfangen oder zugesandt bekommen; daneben in übertragener Bedeutung etwas in einem Zustand bewahren

Word origin

Erhalten combines the prefix er- with inherited Germanic halten, giving the idea of reaching and keeping something.

Usage tips

  • Erhalten is common in formal writing for receiving documents or messages, while bekommen is more usual in everyday speech for receiving things.

Other meanings

  • obtainverb
  • retainverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word