obtener
/ob-teh-NEHR/
to obtain
The primary meaning of obtener is to obtain or gain something desired, like finding a small treasure.
obtener(verb)
to obtain
?to gain something requested or desired
,to get
?to receive a thing
to acquire
?to come into possession of
📝 In Action
Necesito obtener mi licencia de conducir pronto.
B1I need to get my driver's license soon.
Ellos obtuvieron el permiso para construir la casa.
B2They obtained the permit to build the house.
Obtuvimos mucha información útil del sitio web.
B1We got a lot of useful information from the website.
💡 Grammar Points
Irregularity Pattern
Even though 'obtener' ends in '-er', it acts like the verb 'tener' (to have). Its most irregular parts are the past (pretérito) and the future tense.
The 'Yo' Form Trick
In the present tense 'yo' form and the present subjunctive, it adds a 'g': obteNGo. This is a common pattern for many irregular verbs.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Conjugation
Mistake: "Using the regular '-er' past forms: *obtenió, obtenieron."
Correction: Remember the 'u' sound for the simple past: 'obtuvo, obtuvieron'. Think of 'u' for 'I got it' (obtuve).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
While 'conseguir' is often used in casual Spanish for 'to get,' 'obtener' sounds more professional, written, or official.
When you successfully reach a goal, you obtener (achieve) it, like reaching the top of a hill.
obtener(verb)
to achieve
?to successfully reach a goal or qualification
,to secure
?to make sure you get something important (like a position)
to earn
?a degree or title
📝 In Action
Después de años de estudio, por fin obtuvo su doctorado.
C1After years of study, he finally achieved his doctorate.
El equipo necesita obtener una victoria para clasificar.
B2The team needs to secure a victory to qualify.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Abstractions
Use 'obtener' when talking about results, success, or qualifications instead of just 'getting' a physical item. It emphasizes the effort needed to reach that point.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: obtener
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the irregular past tense (Preterite) correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'obtener' completely regular except for the 'yo' form, like some other -er verbs?
No. While the present tense looks mostly regular (except for the 'obtengo' change in the 'yo' form and the subjunctive), 'obtener' follows the irregular pattern of 'tener' in the past (obtuve), future (obtendré), and conditional tenses, which is important to memorize.
When should I use 'obtener' instead of the simpler 'conseguir' or 'sacar'?
Use 'obtener' when you are writing formally, presenting a serious achievement (like a diploma), or discussing official documents (like permits or visas). 'Conseguir' is perfect for everyday conversation.