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.

Free starter pack
Building your German vocabulary?
Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.
Related Words
Explore German by topic