Also means
preserve
Usage Note
erhalten (strong, no ge- in the past participle: erhalten) is the formal word for 'receive', preferred over bekommen in official writing. A second sense is 'to preserve/maintain', as in ein Gebäude erhalten.
Examples
"Wir haben Ihren Brief erhalten."
Natural Translation
We have received your letter.
Literal Translation
We have your letter received.

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