obtenir

Senses

1. 1.

   to obtain

   to get or acquire something (often through effort or request)

2. 2.

   to achieve

   to succeed in getting a desired result or outcome

3. 3.

   to secure

   to obtain permission, agreement, or official status

Examples

• "J'ai obtenu mon permis de conduire la semaine dernière."

  I obtained my driver's license last week.

• "Il faut remplir un formulaire pour obtenir une visa."

  You must fill out a form to obtain a visa.

• "Nous avons obtenu les meilleurs résultats de l'année."

  We achieved the best results of the year.

Usage

**Obtenir** is a very common, neutral verb used in both formal and informal contexts. It often requires effort or involves dealing with bureaucracy (documents, permissions). Common collocations include *obtenir un diplôme* (to get a degree), *obtenir une réduction* (to get a discount). Do not confuse with *avoir* (to have/possess) in general; *obtenir* emphasizes the process of getting something.