This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Persian
Vocabulary
مدرک گرفتن

B1 verb #4,500 most common 5 min read

مدرک گرفتن

madrak gereftan Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مدرک گرفتن in 30 Seconds

Explanation مدرک گرفتن in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the simplest form of 'madrak gereftan.' Think of it as a single action: 'getting a paper for school.' You can use it in basic present and past tenses. For example, 'Man madrak migiram' (I get a degree) or 'U madrak gereft' (He/She got a degree). At this stage, don't worry about complex academic subjects. Just associate 'madrak' with 'school' or 'university.' It is a useful phrase to describe your basic goals when meeting new people in a Persian-speaking environment. You might say 'Man dānešju hastam, mikhāham madrak begiram' (I am a student, I want to get a degree). This simple structure communicates your purpose clearly without needing advanced grammar.

At the A2 level, you can start adding more detail to the phrase. You should be able to specify *where* you got the degree and *what* kind of degree it is. Use the preposition 'az' (from) to name your school. For example, 'Man az dānešgāh-e Širāz madrak gereftam' (I got my degree from Shiraz University). You can also start using basic adjectives like 'mo'tabar' (valid/credible) or 'dovvom' (second). You might talk about your family members: 'Barādaram diplom gereft' (My brother got his high school diploma). At this level, you should also be comfortable with the negative form 'madrak nagereftan' to explain that someone hasn't finished their studies yet.

At the B1 level (your current level), you should use 'madrak gereftan' in more complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences and time clauses. You can discuss the process and the reasons behind it. For example, 'Agar madrak begiram, mitavānam kār-e behtari peydā konam' (If I get a degree, I can find a better job). You should also be familiar with related terms like 'rešteh' (field of study) and 'vahed' (credits/units). You can use the phrase in the present perfect: 'U tāze madrak gerefteh ast' (He has recently obtained his degree). This level involves using the phrase to talk about life plans, career ambitions, and the challenges of the Iranian educational system in a more nuanced way.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'madrak gereftan' in professional and semi-formal contexts. You can discuss 'madrak-gerāyi' (the obsession with degrees) and its impact on society. You should use more sophisticated verbs like 'akhz kardan' (to obtain) as a synonym in formal writing. You can also use the passive voice or complex modal constructions: 'In madrak bāyad az yek markaz-e rasmi gerefteh šavad' (This certificate must be obtained from an official center). You can talk about the equivalence of degrees ('mo'ādel-sāzi-ye madrak') when moving between countries. Your vocabulary should include specific degree types like 'kāršenāsi-ye aršad' (Master's) and 'doktorā' (PhD) fluently with this verb.

At the C1 level, 'madrak gereftan' becomes a tool for deep discussion about educational policy, academic integrity, and labor market trends. You should be able to use the phrase within complex rhetorical structures. For example, analyzing whether 'madrak gereftan' actually equates to 'savād āmuxtan' (learning/becoming literate). You can use it in idiomatic or metaphorical ways in academic essays. You should be comfortable with the nuances between 'madrak gereftan' and 'govāhināme gereftan' in legal or technical documents. At this level, you are expected to understand the historical context of the Iranian university system and how the process of obtaining degrees has changed over the decades.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'madrak gereftan.' You can use it with subtle irony, sarcasm, or high-level academic precision. You can discuss the philosophical implications of institutional validation. You might use the phrase in a critique of 'paper-based' qualifications versus 'skill-based' expertise. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic jargon surrounding the verification and 'estelām' (inquiry/verification) of degrees. You can also use the phrase in literary contexts or high-level journalism, weaving it into complex narratives about social mobility and intellectual history. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, incorporating all possible registers and historical connotations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مدرک گرفتن in 30 Seconds

A common Persian compound verb meaning to obtain an educational degree or professional certificate.
Essential for discussing education, career goals, and academic achievements in everyday and formal Persian.
Formed by the noun 'madrak' (document) and the verb 'gereftan' (to take/get).
Used with the preposition 'az' for institutions and 'dar' for fields of study.

The Persian verbal phrase مدرک گرفتن (madrak gereftan) is a fundamental expression used to describe the act of obtaining a formal qualification, diploma, or degree. In the Iranian cultural context, where education is highly prized, this phrase carries significant weight. It is not merely about the physical act of receiving a piece of paper, but represents the culmination of years of effort, financial investment, and social status elevation. The word madrak literally means 'evidence' or 'document,' while gereftan means 'to take' or 'to get.' Together, they form a light verb construction that is used across all levels of formality.

Educational Context: This is the primary domain. Whether it is a high school diploma (diplom), a Bachelor's (lisans), or a Master's (fogh-e lisans), you use this verb to say you have finished the requirements and received the credential.

برادرم بالاخره پارسال مدرک گرفت و الان دنبال کار می‌گردد.
Translation: My brother finally got his degree last year and is now looking for a job.

Professional Certification: It also applies to vocational skills, such as getting a driving license (though 'govahinameh' is more specific), a language certificate like IELTS, or a coding certification.

برای تدریس در این آموزشگاه، باید حتماً مدرک معتبر بگیرید.
Translation: To teach in this institute, you must definitely get a valid certificate.

Socially, 'madrak gereftan' is often a milestone celebrated with family parties (mehmāni). When someone says they are 'busy getting their degree,' it implies they are in the final stages of their studies, perhaps writing a thesis or preparing for final exams. It is a goal-oriented phrase that looks toward the future career benefits of the qualification.

Using مدرک گرفتن correctly requires understanding its nature as a compound verb. The noun 'madrak' stays stable, while 'gereftan' (to take/get) conjugates according to the subject and tense. It is often paired with the preposition از (az - from) to indicate the institution and در (dar - in) to indicate the field of study.

Past Tense Usage: To describe a completed educational journey. Example: 'Man مدرک گرفتم' (I got my degree).

او از دانشگاه تهران مدرک گرفت.
Translation: He got his degree from the University of Tehran.

Future Intentions: Using the auxiliary 'khāstan' (to want) or the simple future. Example: 'Mikhāham مدرک بگیرم' (I want to get a degree).

قصد دارم در رشته مهندسی مدرک بگیرم.
Translation: I intend to get a degree in the field of engineering.

In negative sentences, use the prefix 'na-' with the verbal part: 'Madrak nagereftam' (I didn't get a degree). In questions, use the standard word order with rising intonation: 'Aya madrak gerefti?' (Did you get your degree?). It is a very versatile phrase that fits into both casual chats and formal interviews.

You will encounter مدرک گرفتن in several distinct environments in Iran and Persian-speaking communities. It is a staple of everyday life because of the high emphasis on academic achievement ('madrak-gerāyi').

Family Gatherings: Relatives often ask about each other's children. 'Kay madrak migire?' (When is he/she getting the degree?) is a very common question during Nowruz or family dinners.

خاله‌ام همیشه می‌پرسد: «بالاخره کی مدرک می‌گیری؟»
Translation: My aunt always asks, "When are you finally getting your degree?"

Job Interviews and HR: Employers use this phrase to verify qualifications. They might ask, 'Madraketun ro az kodām dānešgāh gereftid?' (From which university did you get your degree?).

برای این شغل باید مدرک آیلتس گرفته باشید.
Translation: For this job, you must have obtained an IELTS certificate.

Furthermore, in news reports discussing the workforce or educational statistics, you will hear journalists use this phrase to talk about the percentage of the population that has 'madrak gerefteh' (obtained a degree). It is the standard way to discuss educational attainment in the media.

While مدرک گرفتن is straightforward, learners often make specific errors related to word choice and prepositions. Understanding these nuances will make your Persian sound much more natural.

Confusing with 'Dars Khāndan': Learners sometimes say 'madrak khāndan' (to read a degree). This is incorrect. You 'read' (study) a subject, but you 'take' (get) a degree.

اشتباه: من دارم مدرک می‌خوانم. درست: من دارم برای مدرک گرفتن درس می‌خوانم.
Correction: Don't say "I am reading a degree." Say "I am studying to get a degree."

Incorrect Prepositions: Using 'be' (to) instead of 'az' (from) when naming the university. You get a degree *from* a place, not *to* a place.

اشتباه: مدرک گرفتن به دانشگاه. درست: مدرک گرفتن از دانشگاه.

Finally, avoid using 'madrak gereftan' for things like passports or identity cards. For those, use 'gereftan-e šenāsnāme' or 'gereftan-e gozarname'. 'Madrak' specifically implies an educational or professional qualification gained through testing or study.

To expand your Persian vocabulary, it is helpful to know synonyms and related terms that can replace مدرک گرفتن depending on the context and formality.

فارغ‌التحصیل شدن (Fāregh-ot-tahsil šodan): This means 'to graduate.' It is more formal and focuses on the completion of the study period rather than the receipt of the physical document.
اخذ مدرک (Akhz-e madrak): A very formal/bureaucratic way to say 'obtaining a degree.' You will see this in official university letters or resumes.

او پس از چهار سال فارغ‌التحصیل شد.
Translation: He graduated after four years.

گواهینامه گرفتن (Govāhināme gereftan): Specifically used for licenses (like driving) or short-term training certificates. 'Madrak' is broader, but 'Govāhināme' is more precise for technical certifications.

In casual speech, you might also hear 'dars-eš tamum šod' (his/her studies finished), which implies they have reached the point of getting their degree. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to sound casual, professional, or academic.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Iranians use the word 'madrak' for both a university degree and criminal evidence. So, a lawyer and a student both look for 'madrak,' but for very different reasons!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mædræk ɡereftæn/

US /mædræk ɡereftæn/

The primary stress in 'madrak' is on the second syllable. In 'gereftan,' the stress is on the final syllable '-tan'.

Rhymes With

Daftar (notebook) Bastar (bed/context) Kaftar (pigeon) Sang-raftan Bar-gaštan Pazirā-raftan Dar-raftan Vā-raftan

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'madrak' as 'mod-rak' (using an 'o' sound).
Pronouncing 'gereftan' with a hard English 'r'.
Stress on the first syllable of 'gereftan'.
Mixing up the 'a' in 'madrak' with a long 'ā' sound.
Running the two words together without a slight pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The words are common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation of 'gereftan' and spelling of 'madrak'.

Speaking 3/5

Natural pronunciation of 'gereftan' needs practice for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sounds, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دانشگاه (University) درس (Lesson/Study) گرفتن (To take/get) کتاب (Book) امتحان (Exam)

Learn Next

استخدام شدن (To be hired) رزومه (Resume) مصاحبه کاری (Job interview) تخصص (Specialty) دانش‌آموخته (Alumnus)

Advanced

بوروکراسی آموزشی (Educational bureaucracy) اعتبار‌سنجی (Validation) پایان‌نامه (Thesis) دانشنامه (Diploma/Encyclopedia)

Grammar to Know

Compound Verb Conjugation

In 'madrak gereftan', only 'gereftan' changes: 'madrak migiram', 'madrak gereftam'.

Subjunctive Mood with 'Mikhāham'

Mikhāham madrak begiram (I want to get a degree).

Preposition 'Az' for Source

Madrak gereftan az dānešgāh (Getting a degree from university).

Present Perfect for Recent Actions

U tāze madrak gerefteh ast (He has just obtained his degree).

Infinitive as a Noun

Madrak gereftan dušvār ast (Getting a degree is difficult).

Examples by Level

من مدرک گرفتم.

I got a degree.

Simple past tense of 'gereftan'.

او می‌خواهد مدرک بگیرد.

He wants to get a degree.

Present subjunctive 'begirad' after 'mikhāhad'.

سارا مدرک گرفت؟

Did Sara get a degree?

Question formed by intonation.

ما مدرک نمی‌گیریم.

We are not getting a degree.

Negative present continuous/simple.

آنها پارسال مدرک گرفتند.

They got their degrees last year.

Past tense plural.

مدرک گرفتن خوب است.

Getting a degree is good.

Gerund/Infinitive phrase as subject.

تو کی مدرک می‌گیری؟

When do you get your degree?

Interrogative 'kay' (when).

او مدرک زبان گرفت.

She got a language certificate.

Noun 'zabān' modifies 'madrak'.

من از این مدرسه مدرک گرفتم.

I got a certificate from this school.

Use of 'az' (from).

برادرم مدرک رانندگی گرفت.

My brother got his driving license.

Compound noun object.

آیا تو مدرک معتبر گرفتی؟

Did you get a valid certificate?

Adjective 'mo'tabar' (valid).

او بعد از امتحان مدرک گرفت.

He got the degree after the exam.

Prepositional phrase 'ba'd az'.

ما باید مدرک بگیریم تا کار کنیم.

We must get a degree to work.

Subjunctive 'begirim' after 'bāyad'.

خواهرم مدرک کامپیوتر گرفت.

My sister got a computer certificate.

Specific subject 'computer'.

او هنوز مدرک نگرفته است.

He hasn't gotten his degree yet.

Present perfect negative.

چرا مدرک نگرفتی؟

Why didn't you get the degree?

Interrogative 'cherā'.

اگر سخت درس بخوانی، مدرک می‌گیری.

If you study hard, you will get a degree.

Conditional Type 1.

او بالاخره موفق شد مدرک بگیرد.

He finally succeeded in getting his degree.

Infinitive construction after 'movaffagh šodan'.

برای مدرک گرفتن باید چهار سال درس بخوانید.

To get a degree, you must study for four years.

Gerund phrase for purpose.

من ترجیح می‌دهم از دانشگاه دولتی مدرک بگیرم.

I prefer to get a degree from a state university.

Verb 'tarjih dādan' + subjunctive.

او در رشته هنر مدرک گرفته است.

She has obtained a degree in the field of art.

Present perfect tense.

مدرک گرفتن در این رشته خیلی سخت است.

Getting a degree in this field is very difficult.

Subjective gerund phrase.

آیا می‌دانی او از کجا مدرک گرفته؟

Do you know where he got his degree from?

Indirect question.

قبل از مدرک گرفتن، باید پایان‌نامه بنویسید.

Before getting the degree, you must write a thesis.

Preposition 'ghabl az' + gerund.

او قصد دارد برای مدرک گرفتن به خارج از کشور برود.

He intends to go abroad to get a degree.

Compound sentence with purpose.

بسیاری از جوانان فقط برای پیدا کردن کار مدرک می‌گیرند.

Many young people get degrees just to find a job.

Adverbial phrase of purpose.

گرفتن مدرک دکترا صبر و حوصله زیادی می‌خواهد.

Getting a PhD requires a lot of patience.

Abstract subject.

او بدون اینکه مدرک بگیرد، دانشگاه را رها کرد.

He left university without getting a degree.

Conjunction 'bedun-e inke'.

آیا مدرک گرفتن لزوماً به معنای باسوادی است؟

Does getting a degree necessarily mean being literate/educated?

Rhetorical question.

او مدرک خود را در زمینه مدیریت بازرگانی گرفت.

He got his degree in the field of business management.

Specific professional context.

باید برای معادل‌سازی مدرک گرفته شده اقدام کنید.

You must take action for the equivalence of the obtained degree.

Passive participle 'gerefteh šodeh'.

او با وجود مشکلات فراوان، توانست مدرک بگیرد.

Despite many problems, he was able to get a degree.

Concession clause 'bā vojud-e'.

پدیده مدرک‌گرایی باعث شده که افراد فقط به دنبال مدرک گرفتن باشند.

The phenomenon of 'degree-ism' has caused people to only seek obtaining degrees.

Sociological terminology.

او پس از سال‌ها پژوهش، موفق به اخذ مدرک فوق دکترا شد.

After years of research, he succeeded in obtaining a post-doctoral degree.

Formal synonym 'akhz'.

اعتبار مدرک گرفته شده از این موسسه در سطح بین‌المللی است.

The validity of the degree obtained from this institute is at an international level.

Complex noun phrase.

او مدعی است که بدون مدرک گرفتن هم می‌توان متخصص شد.

He claims that one can become an expert even without getting a degree.

Argumentative structure.

فرآیند مدرک گرفتن در نظام آموزشی ما نیاز به اصلاحات دارد.

The process of obtaining degrees in our educational system needs reforms.

Policy discussion.

او با جعل سند، سعی داشت وانمود کند مدرک گرفته است.

By forging a document, he tried to pretend he had obtained a degree.

Legal/Criminal context.

مدرک گرفتن نباید تنها هدف یک دانشجو در دانشگاه باشد.

Getting a degree should not be the only goal of a student at university.

Modal 'nabāyad'.

او توانست در کمترین زمان ممکن مدرک زبان خود را بگیرد.

He was able to get his language certificate in the shortest possible time.

Superlative construction.

تقلیل غایت آموزش به صرف مدرک گرفتن، آفتی برای بدنه علمی کشور است.

Reducing the purpose of education to merely obtaining a degree is a blight on the country's scientific body.

Highly academic/Literary Persian.

او در پی آن است که با مدرک گرفتن از دانشگاه‌های تراز اول، جایگاه اجتماعی خود را تثبیت کند.

He seeks to consolidate his social status by obtaining degrees from top-tier universities.

Formal 'dar pey-e ān ast'.

اصالت دانش نباید در هیاهوی مدرک گرفتن و القاب دانشگاهی گم شود.

The authenticity of knowledge should not be lost in the clamor of obtaining degrees and academic titles.

Metaphorical usage.

وی با پشتکار زایدالوصفی موفق به مدرک گرفتن در دو رشته مجزا به طور همزمان شد.

With indescribable perseverance, he succeeded in getting degrees in two separate fields simultaneously.

Advanced vocabulary 'zāyed-al-vasf'.

تشکیک در صحت مدارک گرفته شده توسط برخی مسئولین، جنجال‌برانگیز شد.

Doubting the validity of degrees obtained by some officials became controversial.

Political/Journalistic register.

او معتقد است مدرک گرفتن صرفاً آغازی بر یک مسیر طولانی یادگیری است.

He believes that getting a degree is merely the beginning of a long path of learning.

Philosophical perspective.

نظام بوروکراتیک حاکم بر روند مدرک گرفتن، مانع از پویایی نخبگان می‌شود.

The bureaucratic system governing the process of obtaining degrees hinders the dynamism of the elite.

Sociopolitical critique.

او با وجود دریافت بورسیه، از مدرک گرفتن در آن دانشگاه انصراف داد.

Despite receiving a scholarship, he withdrew from obtaining a degree at that university.

Formal 'enseraf dādan'.

Synonyms

فارغ‌التحصیل شدن اخذ مدرک دیپلم گرفتن گواهینامه گرفتن دانش‌آموخته شدن به پایان رساندن دوره تصدیق گرفتن قبول شدن در امتحانات نهایی

Antonyms

ترک تحصیل کردن اخراج شدن رد شدن ناتمام گذاشتن

Common Collocations

مدرک معتبر گرفتن

مدرک دانشگاهی گرفتن

مدرک بین‌المللی گرفتن

مدرک جعلی گرفتن

مدرک دکترا گرفتن

مدرک فنی گرفتن

مدرک مهندسی گرفتن

مدرک مربیگری گرفتن

مدرک زبان گرفتن

مدرک پایان دوره گرفتن

Common Phrases

دنبال مدرک گرفتن بودن

— To be seeking or pursuing a degree.

او فقط دنبال مدرک گرفتن است و درس نمی‌خواند.

مدرک گرفتن از راه دور

— To get a degree through distance learning.

او مدرک خود را از راه دور گرفت.

بدون مدرک گرفتن

— Without obtaining a degree.

او بدون مدرک گرفتن دانشگاه را ترک کرد.

شرط مدرک گرفتن

— The condition for getting a degree.

شرط مدرک گرفتن، پاس کردن تمام واحدهاست.

زمان مدرک گرفتن

— The time/date of obtaining the degree.

زمان مدرک گرفتن او نزدیک است.

موفقیت در مدرک گرفتن

— Success in obtaining the degree.

موفقیت در مدرک گرفتن به تلاش بستگی دارد.

هزینه مدرک گرفتن

— The cost of obtaining a degree.

هزینه مدرک گرفتن در دانشگاه آزاد زیاد است.

مدرک گرفتن در سن بالا

— Getting a degree at an older age.

او در سن بالا مدرک گرفت.

مدرک گرفتن همزمان

— Getting degrees simultaneously.

او در دو رشته مدرک گرفتن همزمان را تجربه کرد.

علاقه به مدرک گرفتن

— Interest in getting a degree.

او علاقه زیادی به مدرک گرفتن دارد.

Often Confused With

مدرک گرفتن vs Dars khāndan

Dars khāndan is the process of studying; madrak gereftan is the result.

مدرک گرفتن vs Ghabul šodan

Ghabul šodan means passing an exam, which is a step toward madrak gereftan.

مدرک گرفتن vs Govāhināme

Govāhināme is usually for licenses, while madrak is for academic degrees.

Idioms & Expressions

"مدرک‌گرایی"

— The obsession with obtaining degrees rather than knowledge.

مدرک‌گرایی یکی از مشکلات جامعه ماست.

Sociological

"مدرک قاب کردن"

— To frame a degree (often used sarcastically to mean the degree is useless).

مدرکت را بگیر و قاب کن به دیوار!

Informal/Sarcastic

"مدرک دست کسی دادن"

— To give someone evidence against oneself (not educational).

مواظب باش مدرک دست دشمن ندهی.

Idiomatic/General

"دنبال کاغذ پاره بودن"

— Chasing a piece of paper (referring to a degree as worthless).

او فقط دنبال یک کاغذ پاره است.

Slang/Critical

"مدرک گرفتن و نان خوردن"

— To get a degree and make a living from it.

امیدوارم بعد از مدرک گرفتن بتوانی نان بخوری.

Casual

"مدرک گرفتن از مکتب زندگی"

— To get a degree from the 'school of life' (experience).

او مدرکش را از مکتب زندگی گرفته است.

Literary

"مدرک کیلویی"

— Degrees given out easily or in bulk (low quality).

این دانشگاه مدرک کیلویی می‌دهد.

Slang

"مدرک پولی"

— A degree bought with money, not earned.

او مدرک پولی گرفته است.

Informal

"سرش برای مدرک گرفتن درد می‌کند"

— He is very eager to get degrees.

سرش برای مدرک گرفتن درد می‌کند، همیشه در حال درس خواندن است.

Informal

"مدرک روی مدرک گذاشتن"

— Collecting multiple degrees.

او مدام مدرک روی مدرک می‌گذارد.

Informal

Easily Confused

مدرک گرفتن vs سند (Sanad)

Both mean document.

Sanad is a general legal document (like a house deed); Madrak is an educational certificate.

این سند خانه است، اما آن مدرک تحصیلی است.

مدرک گرفتن vs گواهی (Govāhi)

Both imply certification.

Govāhi is a generic certificate of attendance or truth; Madrak is more formal for degrees.

او گواهی حضور در جلسه را گرفت.

مدرک گرفتن vs دیپلم (Diplom)

Specific vs General.

Diplom is specifically for high school; Madrak covers all levels.

مدرک او دیپلم است.

مدرک گرفتن vs پایان‌نامه (Pāyān-nāme)

Part of the process.

Pāyān-nāme is the thesis you write to get the madrak.

بعد از نوشتن پایان‌نامه، مدرک گرفت.

مدرک گرفتن vs آموزش (Āmuzeš)

Education vs Credential.

Āmuzeš is the act of teaching/learning; Madrak is the credential earned.

آموزش مهم‌تر از مدرک گرفتن است.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Madrak] [Gereftan - Past]

من مدرک گرفتم.

[Subject] az [Place] [Madrak] [Gereftan - Past]

او از مدرسه مدرک گرفت.

[Subject] mikhāhad [Madrak] [Begirad]

سارا می‌خواهد مدرک بگیرد.

Barāye [Madrak] gereftan, bāyad [Verb]

برای مدرک گرفتن، باید درس بخوانی.

[Subject] dar rešte-ye [Field] [Madrak] gerefteh ast

او در رشته هنر مدرک گرفته است.

Agar [Subject] [Madrak] begirad, [Result]

اگر او مدرک بگیرد، کار پیدا می‌کند.

Akhz-e madrak az [Place] [Adjective] ast

اخذ مدرک از این دانشگاه دشوار است.

[Subject] movaffagh be akhz-e madrak-e [Level] šod

وی موفق به اخذ مدرک دکترا شد.

Word Family

Nouns

مدرک (Degree/Evidence)

مدارک (Degrees/Documents - Plural)

گیرنده (Receiver/Taker)

Verbs

گرفتن (To take/get)

برگرفتن (To pick up/choose)

فراگرفتن (To learn/encompass)

Adjectives

مدرک‌دار (Having a degree)

مستند (Documented/Evidentiary)

دانشگاه (University)

دیپلم (Diploma)

لیسانس (Bachelor's)

فارغ‌التحصیل (Graduate)

آموزش (Education)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in educational and professional discussions.

Common Mistakes

من مدرک خواندم. → من درس خواندم تا مدرک بگیرم.
You cannot 'read' a degree. You study (dars khāndan) to obtain (gereftan) a degree.
او مدرک به دانشگاه تهران گرفت. → او مدرک از دانشگاه تهران گرفت.
The preposition 'be' (to) is wrong. You receive a degree 'az' (from) an institution.
من دارم مدرک می‌گیرم در فردا. → من فردا مدرک می‌گیرم.
In Persian, you don't use 'dar' before time words like 'fardā' (tomorrow).
او مدرک گرفتن کرد. → او مدرک گرفت.
'Gereftan' is already a verb. Adding 'kardan' is redundant and incorrect.
مدرک رانندگی تحصیلی → مدرک تحصیلی / گواهینامه رانندگی
Don't mix types. 'Tahisli' is for academic degrees. Driving is 'rānandegi'.

Tips

Conjugating Gereftan

Remember that 'gereftan' is an irregular verb. The present stem is 'gir' (می‌گیرم) and the past stem is 'gereft' (گرفتم).

Social Status

Getting a degree in Iran is often a family milestone. Be prepared for a celebration once you tell your Persian friends you've 'madrak gerefti'!

Specific Degrees

Learn the names of degrees: Diplom (High School), Lisans (Bachelor's), Fogh-e Lisans (Master's), Doktorā (PhD).

Prepositions

Always use 'az' for the university. 'Madrak az dānešgāh-e Širāz' is the correct way to link the degree to the source.

Process vs Result

Don't say you 'read' (khāndan) a degree. You 'read' a subject to 'get' (gereftan) a degree.

Formal Resumes

In a resume, use the phrase 'Dārā-ye madrak-e...' (Possessing a degree in...) followed by the subject.

Polite Inquiry

When asking an elder about their degree, use the plural 'šomā' and the formal 'gereftid' to show respect.

Key Word Recognition

If you hear 'madrak' in a conversation about work, it almost always refers to educational qualifications.

The 'Get' Connection

Link 'Gereftan' with 'Getting.' They both start with 'G' and mean the same thing. Madrak is the 'Mark' you get.

Compound Verbs

Practice 'madrak gereftan' as a single unit of meaning rather than two separate words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Mad' (like a mad scientist) and 'Rock' (mad-rak). A scientist needs a 'Rock' (solid evidence/degree) to prove they aren't 'Mad.' Then 'Gereftan' sounds like 'Get-often.' You want to 'Get-often' degrees!

Visual Association

Imagine a person reaching up to a high shelf to 'take' (gereftan) a gold-framed 'document' (madrak).

Word Web

University Diploma Job Study Success Paper Exam Future

Challenge

Try to say 'I want to get a degree from Tehran University' three times fast in Persian: 'Mikhāham az dānešgāh-e Tehrān madrak begiram.'

Word Origin

The word 'madrak' comes from the Arabic root 'd-r-k' (درک), which relates to perceiving, attaining, or reaching. 'Gereftan' is a pure Persian verb (Middle Persian 'griftan') meaning to seize or take.

Original meaning: Originally, 'madrak' meant a place or means of perception. In legal and educational contexts, it evolved to mean the 'evidence' of achievement.

Indo-European (gereftan) and Afro-Asiatic/Arabic (madrak).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking people about 'madrak gereftan' if they are struggling with employment, as it can be a sensitive topic.

In the West, 'getting a degree' is often seen as a personal career move. In Iran, it is a family achievement.

Persian news often discusses 'Madrak-e Kardan,' a famous scandal involving a forged degree of a former minister. The movie 'Koma' features characters joking about the worthlessness of their degrees. The phrase is common in the poetry of contemporary social critics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Life

ترم آخر برای مدرک گرفتن
تسویه حساب برای مدرک گرفتن
جشن مدرک گرفتن
معدل برای مدرک گرفتن

Job Search

ارائه مدرک به شرکت
مدرک گرفتن برای ارتقای شغلی
نیاز به مدرک معتبر
کپی مدرک گرفتن

Immigration

ترجمه رسمی مدرک
ارزیابی مدرک گرفته شده
مدرک گرفتن از خارج
آزاد کردن مدرک

Language Learning

مدرک تافل گرفتن
مدرک آیلتس گرفتن
کلاس برای مدرک گرفتن
نمره لازم برای مدرک گرفتن

Vocational Training

مدرک آشپزی گرفتن
مدرک خیاطی گرفتن
مدرک فنی گرفتن
دوره کوتاه برای مدرک گرفتن

Conversation Starters

"آیا قصد داری در آینده مدرک دکترا بگیری؟ (Do you intend to get a PhD in the future?)"

"شنیدم برادرت مدرک مهندسی گرفته، تبریک می‌گویم! (I heard your brother got his engineering degree, congratulations!)"

"به نظر تو مدرک گرفتن مهم‌تر است یا تجربه کاری؟ (In your opinion, is getting a degree more important or work experience?)"

"از کدام دانشگاه مدرک گرفتی؟ (From which university did you get your degree?)"

"برای مدرک گرفتن در رشته تو چند سال زمان لازم است؟ (How much time is needed to get a degree in your field?)"

Journal Prompts

احساس خود را در روزی که مدرک گرفتید توصیف کنید. (Describe your feelings on the day you got your degree.)

چرا بسیاری از مردم فقط به دنبال مدرک گرفتن هستند؟ (Why do many people only seek to get a degree?)

اگر می‌توانستید بدون مدرک گرفتن به شغل رویایی خود برسید، باز هم درس می‌خواندید؟ (If you could reach your dream job without getting a degree, would you still study?)

تفاوت بین مدرک گرفتن در ایران و کشورهای دیگر چیست؟ (What is the difference between getting a degree in Iran and other countries?)

برنامه‌ریزی خود را برای مدرک گرفتن در یک رشته جدید بنویسید. (Write your plan for getting a degree in a new field.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it applies to any formal educational or professional qualification, including high school, technical institutes, and language schools. For example, you can say 'madrak-e jooshkari gereftam' (I got a welding certificate).

Very similar, but 'madrak gereftan' focuses on the document/credential, whereas 'fāregh-ot-tahsil šodan' focuses on the completion of the study period. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.

You can say 'Dāram madrak migiram' or 'Dar hāl-e madrak gereftan hastam.' This implies you are in the final stages of your program.

Yes, you can use 'gereftan' for a passport (gozarnāme gereftan), but you wouldn't use the word 'madrak' for it. 'Madrak' is reserved for qualifications and evidence.

It is singular. The plural is 'madārek.' You use 'madārek' if you are talking about multiple different certificates or documents.

The formal version is 'akhz-e madrak' (اخذ مدرک). You will see this in academic transcripts and professional resumes.

Yes, 'madrak dāštan' means 'to have a degree.' You use this to describe your current status rather than the act of obtaining it.

You ask: 'Madraketun ro az kojā gereftid?' (Where did you get your degree from?)

It refers to 'credentialism'—the social pressure or obsession with getting degrees just for the sake of having the paper, often criticized in Iran.

Usually, people say 'govāhināme-ye rānandegi gereftan' for driving licenses, but 'madrak' can be used in a very broad sense for technical certifications.