gelangen
Translation
to get to, to arrive at, to reach, to attain
Examples
Wie gelange ich zum Bahnhof?
How do I get to the train station?
Er gelangte zu großem Ruhm.
He attained great fame.
Die Nachricht gelangte an die Öffentlichkeit.
The news reached the public.
Grammar Patterns
((to sth.)) to get to, arrive at (a place) How do I get to the train station?
((to sth.)) to attain, reach (an abstract state) He attained great fame.
Similar Words
erreichen (to reach), ankommen (to arrive)
Etymology
From the prefix ge- (indicating completion) and langen (to reach, to long for). It literally means 'to fully reach'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'getting' somewhere after a 'long' journey. The ge- prefix often implies success or completion.