halten is a versatile German verb meaning "to hold," "to stop," or "to keep," depending on context. It is a stem-changing verb (a → ä) in the present tense for du/er/sie/es and also functions as a reflexive verb in expressions like sich an etwas halten (to adhere to something).
- Core meanings: to hold, to stop, to keep, to maintain
- Stem change: halten → du hältst, er/sie/es hält
- Can be used transitively (Ich halte das Buch.) and intransitively (Der Zug hält.)
- Reflexive: sich halten an = to stick to, to adhere to
'halten' primarily means to hold, to stop, or to keep.
Conjugation of halten
| Person | Present | Simple Past | Past Participle | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ich | halte | hielt | gehalten | I hold / stop |
| du | hältst | hieltest | gehalten | you hold / stop |
| er/sie/es | hält | hielt | gehalten | he/she/it holds/stops |
| wir | halten | hielten | gehalten | we hold/stop |
| ihr | haltet | hieltet | gehalten | you (pl.) hold/stop |
| sie/Sie | halten | hielten | gehalten | they/You hold/stop |
- Present tense stem changes are crucial for correct conjugation.
- Simple past (preterite) is also stem-changing.
The stem changes in the present tense for 'du hältst' and 'er/sie/es hält.'
Usage and Examples
To hold (something)
halten is often used for physically holding or carrying something.
- Ich halte das Glas.
- Kannst du meine Tasche halten?
'Ich halte das Glas.' means 'I hold the glass.'
To stop (something/someone)
When used for stopping, especially vehicles or people, halten is used intransitively or transitively.
- Der Bus hält an der Haltestelle. (intransitive)
- Der Fahrer hält den Wagen an. (transitive)
'Der Bus hält an der Haltestelle' means 'The bus stops at the stop.'
To keep/maintain
halten can also mean to keep or maintain an action, condition, or state.
- Halt deine Versprechen! (Keep your promises!)
- Wir halten Kontakt. (We keep in touch.)
Halte deine Versprechen! means 'Keep your promises!'
Reflexive: sich halten an (to adhere to)
Du hältst dich an die Regeln. (You adhere to the rules.)
- Man soll sich an die Vorschriften halten.
'sich halten an' means to adhere to or stick to (rules, agreements, etc.).
Conclusion
halten is essential for expressing ideas about holding, stopping, and maintaining in German, including both literal and figurative uses.
- Core meanings: to hold, stop, keep, maintain
- Important: stem changes in present tense (du hältst, er hält) and usage as reflexive (sich halten an)
- Used in various contexts: physical holding, stopping vehicles, keeping promises, adhering to rules