obtenir
obtenir in 30 Sekunden
- Obtenir is a common French verb meaning 'to get' or 'to obtain', typically used for results, documents, and permissions that require some effort.
- It is conjugated like 'tenir' (j'obtiens, tu obtiens) and uses 'avoir' in the passé composé (j'ai obtenu) to describe completed acquisitions.
- Unlike the English 'get', it cannot be used for becoming (e.g., getting sick) or moving (e.g., getting home); it requires a noun object.
- It is more formal than 'avoir' and is frequently found in academic, professional, and administrative contexts to describe achievements and official results.
- Semantic Nuance
- While 'recevoir' (to receive) implies a passive role where something is given to you, 'obtenir' often implies that you took steps to make it happen. If you 'receive' a gift, you are the recipient; if you 'obtain' a permit, you likely filled out forms and met requirements.
Il a dû travailler dur pour obtenir cette bourse d'études.
- Conjugation Note
- It follows the pattern of 'tenir'. In the present tense: j'obtiens, tu obtiens, il obtient, nous obtenons, vous obtenez, ils obtiennent. The past participle is 'obtenu'.
Nous avons enfin réussi à obtenir un rendez-vous avec le directeur.
Comment peut-on obtenir plus d'informations sur ce projet ?
- Collocation
- 'Obtenir gain de cause' is a common idiomatic expression meaning to win one's case or to get what one wanted after a dispute.
Elle a lutté pendant des mois pour obtenir justice.
Vous pouvez obtenir une réduction si vous réservez à l'avance.
- Direct Object Usage
- The structure is simply [Subject] + [Conjugated Obtenir] + [Noun]. For example: 'J'obtiens mon diplôme' (I am getting my diploma).
Il est difficile d'obtenir un prêt bancaire de nos jours.
- Passive Voice
- 'Obtenir' can be used in the passive voice: 'Le résultat a été obtenu par des méthodes rigoureuses' (The result was obtained through rigorous methods).
Qu'est-ce que tu espères obtenir en criant comme ça ?
Elle a réussi à obtenir des aveux du suspect.
- Common Objects
- Typical objects include: un visa, un permis, une autorisation, un prix, un succès, une réponse, un accord.
Pour obtenir le meilleur goût, laissez mijoter pendant deux heures.
On ne peut rien obtenir sans un minimum d'effort.
- In Education
- Teachers and students use it constantly. 'Avez-vous obtenu vos résultats ?' (Have you gotten your results?) or 'Il faut obtenir la moyenne pour passer' (You must get the average grade to pass).
Le syndicat a réussi à obtenir une augmentation de salaire pour tous les employés.
- In Advertising
- Ads often use 'obtenir' to promise results: 'Obtenez une peau plus lisse en deux semaines' (Get smoother skin in two weeks).
Cliquez ici pour obtenir votre code de réduction exclusif.
Elle a appelé le service client pour obtenir un remboursement.
- In Science
- Researchers use it to describe data acquisition: 'Les chercheurs ont obtenu des données probantes' (Researchers obtained compelling data).
Vous pouvez obtenir de l'aide en contactant notre support technique.
Il est nécessaire d'obtenir un permis de construire avant de commencer les travaux.
- Over-literal Translation
- English speakers often say 'I got sick' or 'I got tired'. In French, you cannot use 'obtenir' for states of being. You would use 'tomber malade' or 'devenir fatigué'. 'Obtenir' requires a noun that is an object or a result, not an adjective describing a state.
Incorrect: J'ai obtenu faim. Correct: J'ai eu faim.
- Preposition Errors
- Learners sometimes add unnecessary prepositions. It is 'obtenir quelque chose', not 'obtenir de quelque chose' (unless you are getting it *from* something, then it's 'obtenir quelque chose de...').
Faux-ami alert: 'Obtain' and 'Obtenir' are cognates, but 'Obtenir' is much more common in French than 'Obtain' is in casual English.
Incorrect: Il a obtenu à gagner. Correct: Il a réussi à gagner.
- Confusing with 'Procurer'
- 'Se procurer' means to get something for oneself, often implying a bit of a search. 'Obtenir' is more about the result of a request or effort.
Attention: 'Obtenir' is never used for 'to understand' (like 'I get it'). Use 'comprendre'.
Incorrect: J'ai obtenu une idée. Correct: J'ai eu une idée.
- Obtenir vs. Acquérir
- 'Acquérir' is more formal and often used for property, knowledge, or long-term skills. You 'obtenir' a diploma (the document), but you 'acquérir' knowledge (the lasting skill).
- Obtenir vs. Recevoir
- 'Recevoir' is passive. If someone gives you a letter, you 'recevez' it. If you had to ask for that letter or work for it, you 'obtenez' it. 'Obtenir' implies agency.
- Obtenir vs. Décrocher
- 'Décrocher' is a more colorful, slightly informal verb often used for jobs or interviews. 'J'ai décroché un job' sounds like you 'hooked' or 'snagged' it. 'Obtenir' is the standard, formal version.
Il a réussi à décrocher le premier prix du concours.
Elle cherche à acquérir de nouvelles compétences en informatique.
L'entreprise a obtenu l'exclusivité sur ce produit.
Nous avons reçu votre message, mais nous n'avons pas encore obtenu de réponse.
How Formal Is It?
Aussprachehilfe
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Conjugation of -tenir verbs
Passé composé with 'avoir'
Direct object pronouns
The use of 'de' for origin
Subjunctive after expressions of necessity
Beispiele nach Niveau
Je veux obtenir un café.
I want to get a coffee.
Present tense of 'obtenir'.
Où obtenir un billet ?
Where to get a ticket?
Infinitive used in a question.
Il obtient un cadeau.
He is getting a gift.
3rd person singular present.
Nous obtenons des fleurs.
We are getting flowers.
1st person plural present.
Tu obtiens une réponse.
You are getting an answer.
2nd person singular present.
Elle obtient son livre.
She is getting her book.
Possessive adjective 'son' with 'obtenir'.
Ils obtiennent de l'aide.
They are getting help.
3rd person plural present.
Vous obtenez une carte.
You are getting a map.
2nd person plural present.
J'ai obtenu mon diplôme hier.
I got my diploma yesterday.
Passé composé with 'avoir'.
Elle a obtenu une bonne note.
She got a good grade.
Passé composé.
Nous avons obtenu un visa.
We got a visa.
Passé composé plural.
Comment as-tu obtenu ce travail ?
How did you get this job?
Question in passé composé.
Il veut obtenir son permis de conduire.
He wants to get his driver's license.
Vouloir + infinitive.
Vous avez obtenu une réduction.
You got a discount.
Passé composé with 'vous'.
Ils ont obtenu un rendez-vous.
They got an appointment.
Passé composé plural.
J'espère obtenir une réponse vite.
I hope to get an answer quickly.
Espérer + infinitive.
Il est difficile d'obtenir un prêt.
It is difficult to get a loan.
Adjective + de + infinitive.
Elle a obtenu l'accord de son patron.
She got her boss's agreement.
Abstract object 'accord'.
Nous obtiendrons les résultats demain.
We will get the results tomorrow.
Future tense.
Si tu travailles, tu obtiendras du succès.
If you work, you will get success.
Si clause with future tense.
Ils ont obtenu gain de cause au tribunal.
They won their case in court.
Idiomatic expression.
Comment obtenir plus de clients ?
How to get more clients?
Infinitive in a question.
Elle a obtenu ce qu'elle voulait.
She got what she wanted.
Relative pronoun 'ce que'.
Vous pourriez obtenir une bourse.
You could get a scholarship.
Conditional mood.
Il faut obtenir une autorisation spéciale.
It is necessary to obtain special authorization.
Il faut + infinitive.
Le gouvernement a obtenu un consensus.
The government obtained a consensus.
Formal context.
Elle a obtenu gain de cause après un long combat.
She won her case after a long struggle.
Emphasis on effort.
Bien qu'il ait obtenu le poste, il hésite.
Although he got the job, he hesitates.
Subjunctive after 'bien que'.
Nous avons obtenu des données précises.
We obtained precise data.
Scientific context.
L'entreprise cherche à obtenir de nouveaux marchés.
The company seeks to obtain new markets.
Business strategy.
On peut obtenir ce produit en ligne.
One can get this product online.
General possibility.
Elle a obtenu une promotion méritée.
She got a well-deserved promotion.
Professional achievement.
L'obtention d'un visa est un processus complexe.
Obtaining a visa is a complex process.
Noun form 'obtention'.
Il a fallu des mois pour obtenir ce résultat.
It took months to obtain this result.
Il a fallu + pour + infinitive.
Le chercheur a obtenu une subvention importante.
The researcher obtained a significant grant.
Academic/Financial context.
Elle a réussi à obtenir le silence dans la salle.
She managed to obtain silence in the room.
Abstract object 'silence'.
L'avocat a obtenu l'annulation du procès.
The lawyer obtained the cancellation of the trial.
Legal context.
Nous devons obtenir des garanties supplémentaires.
We must obtain additional guarantees.
Negotiation context.
Comment ont-ils obtenu ces informations confidentielles ?
How did they obtain this confidential information?
Investigative context.
Il est impératif que nous obtenions leur soutien.
It is imperative that we obtain their support.
Subjunctive mood.
L'œuvre a obtenu un succès d'estime.
The work obtained critical acclaim (but not necessarily commercial success).
Nuanced expression.
Ils ont fini par obtenir gain de cause par l'usure.
They finally won their case through persistence/attrition.
Sophisticated idiom.
Le diplomate a obtenu une trêve fragile.
The diplomat obtained a fragile truce.
High-level political context.
Cette méthode permet d'obtenir une pureté inégalée.
This method allows for obtaining unparalleled purity.
Technical precision.
Elle a su obtenir la quintessence de son talent.
She knew how to get the very best out of her talent.
Metaphorical use.
L'obtention du consentement éclairé est primordiale.
Obtaining informed consent is paramount.
Medical/Legal ethics.
Il a obtenu une dérogation exceptionnelle.
He obtained an exceptional waiver/exemption.
Administrative nuance.
Nous avons obtenu une résolution pacifique du conflit.
We obtained a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Formal diplomatic outcome.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
Wortfamilie
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common in formal reports.
Used for silence, peace, agreement.
'S'obtenir' means 'to be available'.
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Obtenir cannot be used with adjectives to describe a state.
-
Obtenir is not used for physical arrival.
-
Obtenir does not mean 'to understand'.
-
Don't forget the auxiliary verb 'avoir' in the passé composé.
-
The third person plural has a specific spelling with a double 'n'.
Tipps
Conjugation Pattern
Always remember that 'obtenir' conjugates exactly like 'tenir' and 'venir'. If you know one, you know them all! This includes the 'i' in the stem and the 'u' in the past participle.
Formal Writing
In professional emails or your CV, always prefer 'obtenir' over 'avoir'. It shows that you were active in your achievements. For example, 'Obtenu avec mention' sounds much better than 'Eu avec mention'.
Avoid 'Get' Confusion
English 'get' is a trap. Before using 'obtenir', ask yourself: 'Am I acquiring a noun?' If the answer is no (e.g., getting angry, getting there), don't use 'obtenir'.
The Silent 'r'
In the infinitive 'obtenir', the 'r' is pronounced. However, in the past participle 'obtenu', the ending is a clear 'u' sound. Make sure to distinguish between them in speech.
Administrative French
When dealing with French administration, 'obtenir' is your best friend. Use it to ask for forms, permits, and appointments. It sounds professional and clear to officials.
Gain de Cause
Memorize 'obtenir gain de cause'. It's a high-level expression that will impress native speakers, especially when discussing a successful negotiation or a resolved problem.
Active vs Passive
Think of 'obtenir' as the 'active' version of 'recevoir'. Use it when you want to emphasize that you played a role in getting the item or result.
Agreement
In the passé composé, remember that 'obtenu' agrees with the direct object if it comes before the verb. 'La note que j'ai obtenue' (feminine agreement).
Persuasion
Use 'obtenir' when talking about convincing someone. 'J'ai enfin obtenu son accord' implies you had to talk them into it, which adds more detail to your story.
Diplomas
In France, 'obtenir son Bac' is a huge deal. Using 'obtenir' in this context shows you understand the cultural importance of academic certification.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'OBTAINing' a trophy. The word is almost identical to the English 'obtain'.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Kultureller Kontext
Central to discussing academic success.
Using 'obtenir' instead of 'avoir' shows respect for the process.
Crucial for navigating French bureaucracy.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"As-tu déjà obtenu ton diplôme ?"
"Comment as-tu obtenu ce travail ?"
"Est-ce difficile d'obtenir un visa pour ton pays ?"
"Qu'est-ce que tu espères obtenir cette année ?"
"Où peut-on obtenir les meilleurs croissants ici ?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Décrivez un moment où vous avez obtenu quelque chose d'important.
Quels sont les trois objectifs que vous voulez obtenir cette année ?
Est-il plus important d'obtenir de l'argent ou du bonheur ?
Racontez comment vous avez obtenu votre premier emploi.
Qu'avez-vous obtenu récemment qui vous a rendu fier ?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, 'obtenir' is only for acquiring nouns. To say 'get sick', use 'tomber malade'. Using 'obtenir' here is a common mistake for English speakers because 'get' is so versatile in English.
Yes, 'obtenir' is generally more formal and precise. While 'avoir' just means you have something, 'obtenir' highlights the fact that you acquired it, often through effort or a specific process.
It follows 'tenir': j'obtiens, tu obtiens, il obtient, nous obtenons, vous obtenez, ils obtiennent. Note the 'i' in the singular forms and the double 'n' in the third person plural.
The past participle is 'obtenu'. In the passé composé, it is used with the auxiliary 'avoir'. For example: 'J'ai obtenu mon diplôme'.
No, 'obtenir' is a transitive verb and requires a direct object. You must obtain *something*. You cannot just say 'J'ai obtenu' without specifying what was obtained.
This is a common idiom meaning to win a case, to succeed in an argument, or to get what you wanted after a period of dispute or negotiation. It is very common in legal and professional contexts.
No. Unlike the English 'I get it', you cannot use 'obtenir' to mean 'understand'. Use 'comprendre' or 'piger' (informal) instead. 'Obtenir' is strictly for acquisition.
No. To say 'I got to the station', you use 'arriver'. 'Obtenir' is not used for reaching a physical destination, only for acquiring something.
The noun form is 'l'obtention' (feminine). It is used to describe the act of obtaining something, such as 'l'obtention d'un visa' (the obtaining of a visa).
It takes a direct object (obtenir quelque chose). However, you can use 'de' to indicate the source: 'obtenir quelque chose de quelqu'un' (to get something from someone).
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a sentence about getting a diploma.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about getting a good grade.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about getting a visa.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about getting an agreement.
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Write a sentence using 'obtenir gain de cause'.
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Ask how to get a ticket.
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Write a sentence in the future tense.
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Write a sentence in the subjonctif.
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Write a sentence about getting a discount.
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Write a sentence about getting help.
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Write a sentence about getting a loan.
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Write a sentence about getting a job.
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Write a sentence about getting a result.
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Write a sentence about getting silence.
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Write a sentence about getting a map.
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Write a sentence about getting a prize.
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Write a sentence about getting a promotion.
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Write a sentence about getting an answer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about getting information.
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Write a sentence about getting a permit.
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Say: 'I got a good grade.'
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Say: 'How can I get a ticket?'
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Say: 'We will get the results tomorrow.'
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Say: 'He got his driver's license.'
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Say: 'I hope to get a promotion.'
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Say: 'She is getting a gift.'
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Say: 'They got help.'
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Say: 'It is difficult to get a loan.'
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Say: 'You got a discount.'
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Say: 'I got his agreement.'
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Say: 'We won our case.'
Read this aloud:
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Say: 'I got a visa.'
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Say: 'Where can I get information?'
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Say: 'It is necessary to get a permit.'
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Say: 'He got a job.'
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Say: 'She got a scholarship.'
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Say: 'I finally got a response.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Say: 'We are getting flowers.'
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Say: 'They will get success.'
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Say: 'I must get this post.'
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
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Listen and write: 'J'ai obtenu mon visa.'
Listen and write: 'Elle obtient une note.'
Listen and write: 'Nous obtiendrons l'accord.'
Listen and write: 'Il a obtenu un prêt.'
Listen and write: 'L'obtention est difficile.'
Listen and write: 'Comment obtenir de l'aide ?'
Listen and write: 'Ils ont obtenu gain de cause.'
Listen and write: 'Il faut obtenir le silence.'
Listen and write: 'Vous obtenez un cadeau.'
Listen and write: 'J'espère obtenir ce job.'
Listen and write: 'Nous avons obtenu des données.'
Listen and write: 'Tu obtiens une réponse.'
Listen and write: 'Elle a obtenu une bourse.'
Listen and write: 'Obtenez votre code ici.'
Listen and write: 'Il obtient son permis.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'obtenir' is your go-to word for 'getting' anything that involves a process or effort, such as 'obtenir un diplôme' (getting a diploma). It signals active achievement rather than passive possession, making your French sound more precise and professional.
- Obtenir is a common French verb meaning 'to get' or 'to obtain', typically used for results, documents, and permissions that require some effort.
- It is conjugated like 'tenir' (j'obtiens, tu obtiens) and uses 'avoir' in the passé composé (j'ai obtenu) to describe completed acquisitions.
- Unlike the English 'get', it cannot be used for becoming (e.g., getting sick) or moving (e.g., getting home); it requires a noun object.
- It is more formal than 'avoir' and is frequently found in academic, professional, and administrative contexts to describe achievements and official results.
Conjugation Pattern
Always remember that 'obtenir' conjugates exactly like 'tenir' and 'venir'. If you know one, you know them all! This includes the 'i' in the stem and the 'u' in the past participle.
Formal Writing
In professional emails or your CV, always prefer 'obtenir' over 'avoir'. It shows that you were active in your achievements. For example, 'Obtenu avec mention' sounds much better than 'Eu avec mention'.
Avoid 'Get' Confusion
English 'get' is a trap. Before using 'obtenir', ask yourself: 'Am I acquiring a noun?' If the answer is no (e.g., getting angry, getting there), don't use 'obtenir'.
The Silent 'r'
In the infinitive 'obtenir', the 'r' is pronounced. However, in the past participle 'obtenu', the ending is a clear 'u' sound. Make sure to distinguish between them in speech.
Verwandte Inhalte
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
à cause de
A2Eine Präpositionalphrase, die verwendet wird, um die Ursache eines Ereignisses einzuführen, meist in einem negativen oder neutralen Kontext. Sie bedeutet 'wegen'.
à côté
A2Neben; in der Nähe von.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2Nach rechts oder auf der rechten Seite. Zum Beispiel: 'Biegen Sie an der Ecke nach rechts ab'.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2Die Kombination aus der Präposition 'à' und dem weiblichen Artikel 'la', was 'zu der' oder 'an der' bedeutet.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2In dem Maße, wie; während.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.