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erlangen

attain

verb er-LANG-en Less Common

Also means

obtain

Usage Note

erlangen is a formal, inseparable verb for gaining something abstract through effort — Bekanntheit erlangen ('to achieve fame'), einen Abschluss erlangen ('to obtain a degree'). In ordinary speech bekommen or erreichen is more common.

Examples

"Er erlangte großen Einfluss."

Natural Translation

He attained great influence.

Literal Translation

He attained great influence.

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