Verb

erhalten

Translation

to receive, to get, to preserve, to maintain

Ich erhalte heute eine wichtige Nachricht.

I am receiving an important message today.

Wir müssen dieses alte Haus erhalten.

We must preserve this old house.

Sie hat eine Auszeichnung erhalten.

She has received an award.

((et4)) ((von+3)) to receive sth. from sb./sth. I receive a gift from my aunt.

((et4)) to preserve/maintain sth. They preserve the traditions of their ancestors.

Synonyms: bekommen, kriegen (to get); Antonyms: geben (to give), senden (to send)

From the prefix er- (denoting achievement) + halten (to hold). Literally, to 'hold' onto something you get.

Imagine you 'hold' (halten) a letter you've just received. You 'erhalten' it.