to attain
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to attain
To achieve or come into possession of something, often something abstract such as knowledge, freedom, fame, or a title, through effort or after a certain amount of time. The word is more elevated than 'bekommen' (to get) or 'erreichen' (to reach/achieve).
Nach jahrelanger Forschung gelang es ihr, weltweite Anerkennung zu erlangen.
After years of research, she succeeded in attaining worldwide recognition.
'Erlangen' (to attain) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence. It often indicates that something is successfully achieved through an action.
Er hat durch seine Arbeit großen Reichtum erlangt.
He attained great wealth through his work.
This verb belongs to elevated language and is mainly used in formal or written contexts. In normal everyday conversation, one would more likely use 'bekommen' (to get) or 'erreichen' (to reach/achieve).
Durch das Studium erlangte sie tiefes Fachwissen.
Through her studies, she attained deep specialist knowledge.
'Erlangen' (to attain) is almost always used with abstract goals or concepts. Typical combinations are 'Anerkennung erlangen' (to attain recognition), 'Freiheit erlangen' (to attain freedom), 'die Mehrheit erlangen' (to gain the majority), or 'einen Abschluss erlangen' (to obtain a degree).
Die Partei hofft, bei der nächsten Wahl die absolute Mehrheit zu erlangen.
The party hopes to gain an absolute majority in the next election.
to get / receive
Bekommen and erlangen can both describe successfully obtaining approval. Bekommen presents the result in a neutral, everyday way. Erlangen sounds more elevated and usually emphasizes that the goal was reached only after time or effort.
Nach langen Verhandlungen erlangte die Firma die Genehmigung.
The company attained the approval after lengthy negotiations.
Nach ihrem Antrag bekam die Firma die Genehmigung.
The company got the approval after submitting its application.
