der  Erhalt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛɐ̯ˈhalt/

📜 What does "der Erhalt" mean?

Der Erhalt is a masculine noun with two main meanings:

1. The receipt or reception of something: This often refers to receiving mail, packages, payments, or information. It's the act of receiving. Example: Bitte bestätigen Sie den Erhalt (Please confirm receipt).
2. The preservation or maintenance of a state: This means ensuring the continued existence of something, such as buildings (Denkmalschutz - monument protection), nature (Naturschutz - nature conservation), traditions, or health. Example: Der Erhalt alter Gebäude (The preservation of old buildings).

The word is derived directly from the verb erhalten (to receive; to preserve).

It is almost exclusively used in the singular.

🧐 Grammar of "der Erhalt" in Detail

Der Erhalt is a masculine noun. Here is its declension in the singular. A plural form (die Erhalte) theoretically exists but is extremely rarely used in practice.

⚠️ Note on Genitive: Both forms, des Erhalts and des Erhaltes, are correct. Des Erhalts is more common today.

Example Sentences:

• Nach Erhalt des Briefes rief sie sofort an. (After receipt of the letter, she called immediately.)
• Der Erhalt dieses alten Gebäudes ist sehr kostspielig. (The preservation of this old building is very expensive.)
• Bitte bestätigen Sie den Erhalt der E-Mail. (Please confirm the receipt of the e-mail.)
• Wir kämpfen für den Erhalt der Artenvielfalt. (We are fighting for the preservation of biodiversity.)

💡 How to Use "der Erhalt"?

Context "Receipt":

• Often used in formal or business contexts.
• Typical phrases: "nach Erhalt von..." (upon receipt of...), "den Erhalt bestätigen" (to confirm receipt).
• Example: Der Erhalt der Zahlung wird Ihnen schriftlich bestätigt. (Receipt of the payment will be confirmed to you in writing.)
• Difference from "der Empfang": "Empfang" can be more personal (e.g., der Empfang von Gästen - the reception of guests) or refer to technical signal reception (Radioempfang). "Erhalt" is more specific to receiving items/information.

Context "Preservation":

• Frequently used in connection with the protection of monuments, nature, or culture.
• Also used in the sense of maintenance, e.g., "der Erhalt des Friedens" (the preservation of peace), "der Erhalt der Gesundheit" (the maintenance of health).
• Example: Die Stiftung setzt sich für den Erhalt historischer Bauten ein. (The foundation is committed to the preservation of historical buildings.)
• Difference from "die Bewahrung" or "die Konservierung": These words often emphasize the active process of protecting and preserving more strongly, while "Erhalt" can also describe the result or state.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Erhalt"

For the article (der): Think of 'der' letter (der Brief) or 'der' payment (der Lohn) that you receive (erhalten). Or imagine 'der' caretaker ensuring the building's preservation (Erhalt).

For the meaning: The verb is almost inside the noun: erhalten. What you erhalten (receive) is the Erhalt (receipt). What you erhalten (preserve, keep alive) is also the Erhalt (preservation).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but different words:

• Der Gehalt / Das Gehalt: Der Gehalt means content or level (e.g., der Salzgehalt - salt content). Das Gehalt means salary. Don't confuse them with Erhalt!
• Der Halt: Support, grip, stop.

😂 A Little Joke

Chef: "Haben Sie die dringende E-Mail von gestern Abend bekommen?"
Mitarbeiter: "Keine Ahnung, ich bestätige den Erhalt meiner E-Mails immer erst am nächsten Morgen!"

Translation:
Boss: "Did you receive the urgent e-mail from last night?"
Employee: "No idea, I only ever confirm the receipt of my e-mails the next morning!"

✒️ Poem about the Word

Ob Brief, ob Paket, ob gute Nachricht,
der Erhalt ist oft ein Lichtblick, ganz schlicht.
Doch auch Mauern alt und Bäume im Hain,
verdienen den Erhalt, sollen sie weiter sein.

Translation:
Whether letter, or package, or good news bright,
the receipt is often a simple delight.
But old walls too, and trees in the lane,
deserve preservation, so they may remain.

❓ Riddle

Ich komme nach dem Senden,
bestätige oft das Wenden.
Mal schütz' ich Altes vor dem Fall,
mal bin ich nur ein Briefzustellknall.

Was bin ich?

Lösung/Solution: der Erhalt

Translation:
I come after the sending,
often confirm a turning.
Sometimes I protect the old from falling apart,
sometimes I'm just the mail delivery's start.

What am I?

Solution: der Erhalt (receipt/preservation)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

The word "Erhalt" is a nominalization (making a noun) of the verb stem of "erhalten". It consists of:

• Prefix "er-"
• Stem "halt" (from the verb "halten" - to hold/stop)

Historically: In the past, "Erhalt" was occasionally used as a feminine noun ("die Erhalt"), but this is no longer correct today.

Context: The term is particularly common in official and formal language, especially when confirming the receipt of documents or payments.