🇫🇷 How to say

“to get” in French

obtenir
Illustration of "to get" in a French cultural setting
A student proudly holds up a diploma after years of hard work, finally obtaining their degree on graduation day.

Usage note

Use 'obtenir' when you achieve or acquire something through effort, like a diploma or a good grade—it's more formal than 'avoir' (to have) and implies earning.

Examples

  • J'ai obtenu mon permis de conduire.

    I got my driver's license.

  • Elle obtient toujours de bonnes notes.

    She always gets good grades.

  • Nous obtenons des billets pour le concert.

    We are getting tickets for the concert.

Quick check

What does "obtenir" mean?

  • A. to get
  • B. to be
  • C. to take
  • D. to run

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