erhalten
Translation
to receive, to get, to maintain, to preserve
Examples
Ich habe gestern einen Brief erhalten.
I received a letter yesterday.
Wir müssen die alte Kirche erhalten.
We must preserve the old church.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to receive (sth.) She received the package. Sie hat das Paket erhalten.
((sth.)) to preserve, maintain (sth.) We must preserve nature. Wir müssen die Natur erhalten.
Similar Words
Synonyms: receive, get; preserve
Etymology
er- (prefix indicating outcome) + halten (to hold). Literally 'to get hold of' or 'to keep holding'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'holding' onto something you get or want to keep safe.