01
der Erhalt
receipt
The process of receiving or getting something, for example a message, a shipment, or a payment.
example
Bitte bestätigen Sie den Erhalt dieser E-Mail schriftlich.
Please confirm receipt of this email in writing.
der Erhalt
receipt / preservation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
From verb to noun
'Der Erhalt' (receipt / preservation) is the noun form of the verb 'erhalten' (to receive / to preserve). The noun takes on the two main meanings of the verb: to get something (receive) and to preserve something (maintain).
EXAMPLE
Nachdem wir die Zusage erhalten hatten, feierten wir den Erhalt des Stipendiums.
After we had received the acceptance, we celebrated the receipt of the scholarship.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about mail, packages, or messages, 'Empfang' (receipt) is meant. If it is about monuments, nature, or jobs, 'Bewahrung' (preservation) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Erhalt des Pakets muss mit einer Unterschrift bestätigt werden.
Receipt of the package must be confirmed with a signature.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Empfang' (receipt), 'Erhalt' is often used in formal or business correspondence. Typical phrases are 'den Erhalt bestätigen' (to confirm receipt) and 'nach Erhalt der Ware' (after receipt of the goods).
EXAMPLE
Wir versenden die Bestellung sofort nach Erhalt Ihrer Zahlung.
We ship the order immediately after receipt of your payment.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'Bewahrung' (preservation), 'Erhalt' is often combined with abstract or cultural values. Common combinations are 'der Erhalt von Arbeitsplätzen' (the preservation of jobs), 'der Erhalt des Friedens' (the preservation of peace), or 'der Erhalt des kulturellen Erbes' (the preservation of cultural heritage).
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation setzt sich für den Erhalt seltener Tierarten ein.
The organization works for the preservation of rare animal species.
Compare with
Erhalt vs Zugang
access / entrance
'der Zugang' and 'der Erhalt' can both have to do with the arrival of mail, messages, or payments. 'Zugang' sounds more like a formal arrival or receipt by an office or authority, for example when a written document is registered. 'Erhalt' places more emphasis on someone having received something. You often find it in sentences like 'nach Erhalt der Rechnung' (after receipt of the invoice). The words can be confused because they describe the same process from different points of view: 'Zugang' looks more at something being received by the office or institution, while 'Erhalt' looks at the recipient getting it.
Erhalt
Nach Erhalt der E-Mail meldet sich Frau Becker beim Kunden.
After receiving the email, Ms. Becker gets in touch with the customer.
Zugang
Der Zugang der Zahlung wurde heute Morgen im Büro geprüft.
The receipt of the payment was checked in the office this morning.
In real life
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