verb
to receive, to preserve
B1
Erhalten: commonly 'to receive' (e.g., mail, payments) and 'to preserve' (maintain, conserve). Strong irregular verb with participle erhalten (same as infinitive) and present 3rd person singular erhält (e->ä stem change). Uses haben as auxiliary. Non-reflexive and non-separable. Context decides 'receive' versus 'preserve'.
Examples
Ich habe eine Antwort erhalten.
I received a reply.
Das Team erhielt die Ergebnisse, bevor der Leiter die Entscheidung bekanntgab.
The team received the results before the manager announced the decision.
Wir müssen das alte Gebäude erhalten, damit es nicht verfällt.
We must preserve the old building so that it doesn't fall into ruin.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone holding up a wrapped gift and saying 'You receive it' — the object is kept intact (preserved)
sounds like 'her + hail' — imagine receiving something handed to you
Notes
Erhalten has two main senses: 'to receive' (e.g., mail, goods) and 'to preserve/maintain' (e.g., a building, a state). Stem vowel changes in present 3rd-person singular: 'erhält'. Uses haben in perfect tenses.