erhalten
to receive
To get something that is given or sent to you; to receive. Often used in formal language.
EXAMPLE
Haben Sie meine Bewerbungsunterlagen fristgerecht erhalten?
Did you receive my application documents by the deadline?
erhalten
to receive / preserve / support
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Meanings
erhalten
to preserve
To keep something in its condition, care for it, and protect it from decay or destruction.
EXAMPLE
Es ist eine wichtige Aufgabe, die alten Fachwerkhäuser in der Stadt zu erhalten.
It is an important task to preserve the old half-timbered houses in the city.
sich erhalten
to support oneself
To secure one's own livelihood; to provide for one's own material needs.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Tod ihres Mannes musste sie sich und ihre Kinder allein erhalten.
After her husband's death, she had to support herself and her children on her own.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The verb 'erhalten' (to receive/preserve) is inseparable. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'halten' in all tenses and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Er erhält heute eine wichtige Nachricht.
He receives an important message today.
Receiving vs. preserving
The meaning depends strongly on the context. When it is about mail, messages, or gifts, 'erhalten' usually means 'empfangen' (to receive). When it is about monuments, traditions, or a condition, it means 'bewahren' (to preserve).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern eine E-Mail von ihm erhalten.
I received an email from him yesterday.
Formal style
In the meaning of 'bekommen' (to get), 'erhalten' is more formal and is mainly used in written language, business, or official contexts.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben Ihre Anfrage erhalten und werden sie bald bearbeiten.
We have received your inquiry and will process it soon.
Reflexive use
In the meaning of 'für den eigenen Lebensunterhalt sorgen' (to provide for one's own livelihood), the verb is always used reflexively with 'sich'. The reflexive pronoun must be adapted to the subject.
EXAMPLE
Er arbeitet auf dem Bauernhof, um sich und seine Familie zu erhalten.
He works on the farm to support himself and his family.
Compare with
bekommenschützenkriegengenießenrettenbeziehenwahrenunterhaltenempfangeneingehenbewahrenbeibehaltenaufrechterhaltenüberliefertkonservieren
erhalten vs bekommen
to get / receive
„Bekommen“ and „erhalten“ both mean that someone receives something. „Bekommen“ is neutral and very common in everyday language, while „erhalten“ often sounds more formal and written. In an official letter, „erhalten“ is therefore more appropriate, while in a normal conversation, „bekommen“ is usually more natural.
erhalten
Sie haben den Brief gestern von der Behörde erhalten.
You received the letter from the authorities yesterday.
bekommen
Ich habe den Brief gestern von meiner Freundin bekommen.
I received the letter from my girlfriend yesterday.
In real life
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