German word

erlangen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈlaŋən/

Meaning

  • verbgain

Example

Ich habe das Vertrauen erlangt.

I have gained trust.

Illustration for erlangen (gain)

More examples

Bei der Präsentation konnte sie schnell Respekt erlangen.

She was able to gain respect quickly at the presentation.

Core concept

A person completes a demanding path and comes away holding a valued result such as knowledge or recognition.

Common phrases

  • Respekt erlangen

    gain respect

  • Unterstützung erlangen

    gain support

Similar words

bekommen: Receive or obtain something that is handed over or provided.
erwerben: Acquire something through effort or payment, especially a possession or qualification.
erreichen: Reach a destination, goal, or intended endpoint.

Definition in German

ein Verb, das bezeichnet, dass man etwas durch einen Prozess oder durch Bemühung erwirbt oder erreicht, häufig immaterielle Dinge wie Kenntnisse, Rechte oder Anerkennung.

Word origin

The form erlangen arose in earlier German from er- plus langen, related to lang, and came to denote reaching a desired result.

Usage tips

  • Erlangen sounds more formal than the everyday gewinnen or bekommen and is especially common with abstract achievements and possessions.

Other meanings

  • obtainverb
  • acquireverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word