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B1 verb #3,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

festhalten

Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces festhalten en 30 secondes

Explication festhalten in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'festhalten' is often introduced in its most literal, physical sense. A1 learners encounter it primarily as a command or a simple description of physical action. For example, 'Halt dich fest!' (Hold on!) is a phrase you might hear when someone is about to start a car or when a child is on a swing. The focus at this level is on the separable nature of the verb: 'ich halte... fest'. Learners are encouraged to visualize the action of gripping something firmly. It is a 'strong' verb, so the vowel change in the third person (er hält fest) is a key grammar point to notice early on. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the abstract meanings; just think of it as 'holding tight'.

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At the A2 level, learners begin to see 'festhalten' in more varied contexts. You might use it to talk about helping someone, like 'Kannst du bitte die Leiter festhalten?' (Can you please hold the ladder?). The concept of 'capturing' a moment starts to appear here too, often in the context of photography or simple notes. A2 learners should also become familiar with the perfect tense form 'hat festgehalten'. You might describe a past event: 'Ich habe das kleine Kind an der Hand festgehalten.' The reflexive use 'sich festhalten' becomes more important as learners describe daily routines like taking the bus or train. The focus is on expanding the physical applications and starting to see the word in simple written instructions.

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At the B1 level, 'festhalten' becomes a truly versatile tool. This is where the abstract meaning 'an etwas (Dativ) festhalten' (to stick to/cling to something) is introduced. B1 learners are expected to discuss opinions and plans, so saying 'Wir halten an unserem Ziel fest' (We are sticking to our goal) is a classic B1 sentence. You also start using it in professional or semi-formal contexts, such as 'Ergebnisse festhalten' (recording results). This level requires a firm grasp of the 'an + Dativ' construction and the ability to use the verb in subordinate clauses where the prefix and verb reunite. It's about moving from the physical hand to the 'mental' grip on ideas and documentation.

At the B2 level, 'festhalten' is used with more nuance and in more complex grammatical structures. You might encounter it in news reports concerning the detention of suspects ('Die Polizei hielt die Verdächtigen fest') or in academic/professional discussions about maintaining traditions ('an Traditionen festhalten'). B2 learners should be able to distinguish 'festhalten' from synonyms like 'beibehalten' or 'dokumentieren' based on the specific context and register. The word appears frequently in formal writing, such as 'In diesem Bericht wird festgehalten, dass...' (In this report, it is stated/recorded that...). At this level, the focus is on precision and using the word to express persistence or formal recording in a sophisticated way.

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At the C1 level, the usage of 'festhalten' becomes quite sophisticated, often appearing in literary or highly formal contexts. You might use it to describe philosophical adherence to a school of thought or the psychological inability to let go of the past. C1 learners explore the rhetorical power of the word: 'Es gilt festzuhalten, dass...' (It must be noted/established that...). This is a common way to introduce a key point in an essay or a speech. The word is also used in complex legal or technical descriptions, where 'festhalten' might refer to the specific parameters defined in a contract. The nuance here is about using the word to anchor an argument or to describe deep-seated convictions.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered all the subtle shades of 'festhalten'. You can use it in highly specialized fields like law, where it refers to specific types of detention or the recording of legal precedents. You understand its use in high literature to describe the human condition—our struggle to 'hold onto' life, time, or identity. You can effortlessly switch between its literal and figurative meanings for stylistic effect. A C2 speaker might use 'festhalten' in a nuanced critique: 'Trotz der Beweise hielt der Autor an seiner überholten Theorie fest.' (Despite the evidence, the author clung to his outdated theory.) At this level, the word is a flexible instrument for expressing permanence, capture, and the human will to retain.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

festhalten en 30 secondes

Festhalten primarily means to hold onto something tightly, either to stabilize yourself or to prevent an object from moving or falling.
It is a separable verb (hält fest, hielt fest, festgehalten) and a strong verb, meaning its stem vowel changes in certain forms.
Abstractly, it means to record information in writing or media, or to stick firmly to a belief, plan, or specific tradition.
In legal contexts, it refers to the act of detaining someone temporarily, often used by police or security personnel during an investigation.

The German verb festhalten is a versatile and essential word that every B1 learner must master. At its core, it combines the adjective fest (firm, solid) with the verb halten (to hold). This literal combination perfectly describes its primary physical meaning: to grip something tightly so it doesn't move or fall. However, like many German verbs, its utility extends far beyond the physical realm into legal, administrative, and psychological contexts. Understanding festhalten requires recognizing it as a separable verb (trennbares Verb), meaning the prefix fest- migrates to the end of the sentence in simple present and past tenses.

Physical Grip: This is the most direct usage. You use it when you are on a bumpy bus and need to hold onto the handrail, or when you are holding a child's hand in a crowded market. It implies a degree of strength or stability.
Capturing or Recording: In a more abstract sense, festhalten is used when documenting something. Whether you are taking a photograph to 'capture' a moment or writing down minutes in a meeting to 'record' a decision, you are making that fleeting information 'firm' or permanent.
Adhering to Principles: When paired with the preposition an and the dative case, it means to stick to a plan, a belief, or a tradition. It suggests a refusal to let go of a particular course of action despite pressure to change.

Bitte halten Sie sich während der Fahrt gut fest.

Translation: Please hold on tight during the journey.

In professional environments, you will frequently encounter this word in the context of Protokolle (minutes). If a manager says, "Wir müssen dieses Ergebnis schriftlich festhalten," they are not asking you to physically squeeze the result, but to ensure it is recorded in writing so it cannot be forgotten or disputed later. This 'securing' of information is a key nuance of the word.

Die Polizei konnte den Dieb festhalten, bis die Verstärkung eintraf.

Lastly, consider the emotional weight of the word. To an einer Erinnerung festhalten (to cling to a memory) suggests a deep, perhaps even stubborn, connection to the past. It portrays the person as being anchored by that memory, for better or worse. This versatility—from the physical grip on a railing to the emotional grip on a memory—makes it a cornerstone of expressive German.

Legal Context: In news reports, you might hear 'jemanden vorläufig festhalten,' which means to temporarily detain someone for questioning. Here, the 'holding' is legal and physical restraint.

Wir sollten an unserem Plan festhalten.

The construction of sentences using festhalten depends heavily on whether you are using it transitively (holding an object), reflexively (holding oneself), or with a preposition (clinging to an idea). Because it is a separable verb, the placement of fest is crucial for sounding natural.

Transitive Usage (Direct Object): When you hold a physical object or a person, the object is in the accusative case.
Example: Ich halte die Tasche fest. (I am holding the bag tightly.)
Reflexive Usage (Sich festhalten): When you are the one doing the holding to stabilize yourself, use the reflexive pronoun 'sich'.
Example: Du musst dich am Geländer festhalten. (You must hold onto the railing.) Note that the thing you are holding onto is introduced by 'an' + dative.

Er hielt das Lenkrad mit beiden Händen fest.

Past tense: He held the steering wheel tight with both hands.

One of the most common B1-level structures is an etwas (Dativ) festhalten. This is used for abstract concepts. If you want to say you are sticking to your opinion, you say: "Ich halte an meiner Meinung fest." Here, 'meiner Meinung' is dative because of the preposition 'an' in a static context of 'clinging'.

Können wir den Termin im Kalender festhalten?

In the perfect tense, we use the auxiliary verb haben. The 'ge-' of the past participle is sandwiched between the prefix and the base verb: festgehalten. This is a standard pattern for separable verbs. "Ich habe den Moment mit meiner Kamera festgehalten." (I captured the moment with my camera.)

Imperative Form: When giving a command: "Halt dich fest!" (Hold on!) or "Halten Sie das bitte fest!" (Please hold this!)

Es ist wichtig, die Regeln festzuhalten.

Note the 'zu' in the infinitive: fest-zu-halten.

Finally, consider the modal verbs. When using 'müssen', 'können', or 'sollen', festhalten remains in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence. "Du solltest dich besser festhalten." (You should hold on better.) This consistency across different sentence types makes festhalten a reliable verb to practice your syntax.

You will encounter festhalten in a variety of real-world German settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. Understanding these contexts helps you transition from textbook knowledge to conversational fluency.

On Public Transport: In U-Bahns and buses across Germany, you will often hear automated announcements or see signs saying, "Bitte festhalten." This is a safety instruction for passengers to use the straps or rails during the journey.
In Business Meetings: When a decision is reached, a colleague might say, "Lassen Sie uns das kurz im Protokoll festhalten." This means 'Let's record that in the minutes.' It is the standard way to ensure accountability in German corporate culture.

"Können wir das fotografisch festhalten?"

Heard at weddings or sightseeing spots.

In the news (Nachrichten), festhalten is frequently used in reports about crime or police activity. You might hear: "Die Polizei hielt den Tatverdächtigen bis zum Eintreffen der Kriminalpolizei fest." This indicates a temporary detention or arrest. Similarly, in international news, you might hear about a country 'adhering' to a treaty: "Deutschland hält am Pariser Klimaabkommen fest."

"Halt dich fest, ich habe eine Überraschung!"

A common idiomatic expression before telling exciting news.

In literature and deep conversations, people talk about festhalten in the context of time or relationships. A character might struggle to 'hold onto' their youth (an der Jugend festhalten). This usage highlights the futility or the intense desire to stop change. You will also see it on social media captions: "Erinnerungen festhalten" (Capturing memories) is a very popular phrase for photo dumps.

Legal and Official Documents: Contracts often contain the phrase "wie oben festgehalten" (as recorded above), referring to previously stated terms.

Der Bericht hält alle wichtigen Details fest.

Whether you are listening to a podcast about politics, reading a detective novel, or just riding the tram in Berlin, festhalten will be there. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world we touch and the abstract world of ideas and laws.

Even though festhalten seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its grammar and specific prepositional requirements. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Separable Prefix: Many learners say "Ich festhalte das Seil" instead of "Ich halte das Seil fest." In German, the conjugated part of a separable verb stays in the second position, while the prefix moves to the very end.
Correct: Ich halte dich fest.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Halten' with 'Festhalten': 'Halten' means 'to hold' or 'to stop'. 'Festhalten' means 'to hold tightly' or 'to record'. If you say "Ich halte die Kamera," you are just holding it. If you say "Ich halte den Moment fest," you are capturing the moment permanently. Using the wrong one can change the intensity of your sentence.

Incorrect: Ich halte fest an mein Plan.
Correct: Ich halte an meinem Plan fest.

Remember: 'an' requires the dative case here!

A very common error is using the wrong case with the preposition an. When you 'cling' to something (an etwas festhalten), it is considered a static state of holding, which triggers the Dative case. Many learners mistakenly use the Accusative. Always check your endings: 'an dem Prinzip', 'an der Idee'.

Another mistake involves the reflexive 'sich'. If you want to say 'Hold on!', you must include the reflexive pronoun: "Halt dich fest!" Just saying "Halt fest!" sounds like you are telling someone to squeeze an object they are already holding, rather than telling them to steady themselves.

Mistake 3: Word Order with Modals: When using a modal verb, the prefix and verb join back together.
Wrong: Du musst halten dich fest.
Right: Du musst dich festhalten.

Incorrect: Er hielt das Protokoll fest.
Better: Er hielt die Ergebnisse im Protokoll fest.

Nuance: You record 'things' in a protocol, you don't usually 'hold' the protocol itself.

By being mindful of these grammatical rules—separable prefix placement, dative case after 'an', and the reflexive pronoun—you will avoid the most common 'foreigner' mistakes and sound much more like a native speaker.

German is a language of precision, and while festhalten is a great all-rounder, there are other words that might be more specific depending on whether you are talking about gripping, arresting, or documenting.

Festhalten vs. Greifen: Greifen means 'to grab' or 'to reach for'. It is the initial action of taking something. Festhalten is the continuous action of keeping it in your grip.
Example: Er griff nach dem Seil und hielt es fest. (He reached for the rope and held it tight.)
Festhalten vs. Dokumentieren: While festhalten can mean to record, dokumentieren is more formal and clinical. You 'dokumentieren' a scientific experiment, but you 'halten' a beautiful sunset 'fest' with a photo. Festhalten often carries a more personal or artistic nuance.
Festhalten vs. Verhaften: In legal contexts, verhaften means 'to arrest' formally. Festhalten is more about the physical act of detaining someone or keeping them there until the police arrive. A citizen can 'jemanden festhalten', but only the police can 'jemanden verhaften'.

Klammern (to cling/bolt)

A more intense version of 'festhalten', often used for desperation.

If you are talking about sticking to a plan, you could also use beibehalten. However, beibehalten means 'to maintain' or 'to keep doing something', whereas an etwas festhalten implies a more active, sometimes stubborn, refusal to change. If a company 'beibehält' its strategy, it just continues. If it 'festhält' at its strategy, it's sticking to it despite challenges.

Another interesting alternative is aufzeichnen. This specifically means 'to record' (audio or video). While you can 'einen Moment festhalten' with a video, 'aufzeichnen' is the technical term for the recording process itself. Festhalten focuses on the result: the moment is now secured.

Sich an die Regeln halten: Note the difference: 'Sich an Regeln halten' means to follow rules. 'An Regeln festhalten' means to insist on the rules even when they might be outdated.

Arretieren (Technical/Mechanical)

Used for locking a mechanism in place.

By learning these synonyms and their subtle differences, you can choose the exact word that fits your situation, making your German sound more precise and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'fest' is related to the English 'fast' in the sense of 'steadfast' or 'holding fast', not 'speedy'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈfɛstˌhaltn̩/

US /ˈfɛstˌhɑltn̩/

Primary stress on the prefix 'fest-', secondary stress on the verb stem 'halt-'.

Rime avec

gestalten behalten entfalten verhalten walten spalten falten alten

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as one word without the glottal stop between 'fest' and 'halten'.
Stressing the 'halt' instead of the 'fest'.
Not changing the vowel to 'ä' in the third person singular (er hält fest).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though the separable prefix can be far away.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of strong verb conjugation and separable prefix placement.

Expression orale 3/5

Natural use requires mastering the 'an + Dativ' construction.

Écoute 2/5

Commonly heard in public announcements and news.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

fest halten an sich Bild

Apprends ensuite

beibehalten enthalten aufhalten unterhalten verhalten

Avancé

arretieren konstatieren protokollieren fixieren

Grammaire à connaître

Separable Verbs (Trennbare Verben)

Ich halte die Tür fest.

Strong Verbs (Starke Verben) with a-ä change

Er hält das Kind fest.

Two-Way Prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen) - Static Dative

Ich halte an dem Plan fest.

Reflexive Pronouns (Reflexivpronomen)

Halt dich fest!

Passive Voice (Passiv)

Das Ergebnis wurde festgehalten.

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Exemples par niveau

Halt dich fest!

Hold on tight!

Imperative form of a separable verb.

Ich halte die Tasche fest.

I am holding the bag tight.

Present tense, separable prefix at the end.

Hältst du mein Buch fest?

Are you holding my book tight?

Question form with vowel change (a to ä).

Bitte halten Sie sich fest.

Please hold on (formal).

Formal imperative.

Er hält den Hund fest.

He is holding the dog tight.

3rd person singular vowel change.

Wir halten die Tür fest.

We are holding the door (open/tight).

Plural present tense.

Halt meine Hand fest!

Hold my hand tight!

Informal imperative.

Sie hält den Becher fest.

She is holding the cup tight.

Basic transitive usage.

Kannst du die Leiter festhalten?

Can you hold the ladder?

Modal verb with infinitive at the end.

Ich habe den Moment im Bild festgehalten.

I captured the moment in the picture.

Perfect tense with 'festgehalten'.

Sie hielt das Kind an der Hand fest.

She held the child by the hand.

Simple past tense (Präteritum).

Du musst dich gut festhalten.

You must hold on well.

Reflexive usage with modal verb.

Wir haben die Adresse auf einem Zettel festgehalten.

We recorded the address on a piece of paper.

Perfect tense, abstract sense of recording.

Halt das Paket bitte für einen Moment fest.

Please hold the package for a moment.

Imperative with time indication.

Er hielt den Ball mit beiden Händen fest.

He held the ball with both hands.

Simple past with prepositional phrase.

Ich möchte diese Erinnerung festhalten.

I want to hold onto this memory.

Modal verb + abstract infinitive.

Wir sollten an unserem Plan festhalten.

We should stick to our plan.

Preposition 'an' + Dative (unserem Plan).

Die Ergebnisse wurden im Protokoll festgehalten.

The results were recorded in the minutes.

Passive voice in the perfect tense.

Es ist wichtig, an alten Traditionen festzuhalten.

It is important to hold onto old traditions.

Infinitiv mit zu (festzuhalten).

Ich halte an meiner Meinung fest, egal was passiert.

I am sticking to my opinion, no matter what happens.

Reflexive-like use of 'an etwas festhalten'.

Können wir diesen Termin schriftlich festhalten?

Can we record this date in writing?

Modal verb question.

Sie hielt an der Hoffnung fest, dass er zurückkommt.

She clung to the hope that he would return.

Simple past with a subordinate clause.

Warum hältst du so sehr an der Vergangenheit fest?

Why do you cling to the past so much?

Question with 'an' + Dative.

Der Künstler hielt die Bewegung in seiner Skizze fest.

The artist captured the movement in his sketch.

Simple past, transitive abstract usage.

Die Polizei konnte den Verdächtigen vorläufig festhalten.

The police were able to temporarily detain the suspect.

Legal context, modal verb.

Trotz der Kritik hielt die Regierung an der Reform fest.

Despite the criticism, the government stuck to the reform.

Political context, 'trotz' + Genitive.

In dem Vertrag wird festgehalten, wer die Kosten trägt.

The contract states who bears the costs.

Passive voice, formal register.

Wir müssen die genauen Details der Vereinbarung festhalten.

We must record the exact details of the agreement.

Modal verb, professional context.

Er hielt krampfhaft an seiner Macht fest.

He clung desperately to his power.

Adverbial use (krampfhaft).

Die Kamera hat jede Sekunde des Rennens festgehalten.

The camera captured every second of the race.

Perfect tense, technical context.

Es wurde im Bericht festgehalten, dass es Mängel gab.

It was recorded in the report that there were deficiencies.

Impersonal passive construction.

Sie halten an den Werten ihrer Vorfahren fest.

They hold onto the values of their ancestors.

Plural, abstract cultural context.

Es gilt festzuhalten, dass diese Maßnahme alternativlos war.

It must be noted that this measure was without alternative.

Fixed expression 'Es gilt festzuhalten'.

Der Autor hält in seinem Werk die gesellschaftlichen Missstände fest.

The author captures the social grievances in his work.

Literary/Analytical register.

Man darf nicht starr an überholten Theorien festhalten.

One must not rigidly cling to outdated theories.

Adverbial 'starr' (rigidly).

Die Zeugin konnte die Täterbeschreibung präzise festhalten.

The witness was able to precisely record the description of the perpetrator.

Abstract usage in a criminalistic context.

Das Protokoll hält die kontroverse Debatte detailgetreu fest.

The minutes record the controversial debate in great detail.

Focus on accuracy and detail.

In der Philosophie wird oft an der Idee der Freiheit festgehalten.

In philosophy, the idea of freedom is often held onto.

Passive voice in academic discourse.

Er hielt an seinem Vorhaben fest, die Welt zu umsegeln.

He stuck to his plan to sail around the world.

Noun-verb combination 'Vorhaben festhalten'.

Die Studie hält fest, dass der Klimawandel unumkehrbar ist.

The study states that climate change is irreversible.

Scientific reporting register.

Die rechtliche Würdigung hielt die Unschuld des Angeklagten fest.

The legal assessment established the innocence of the accused.

High legal register.

In den Annalen der Geschichte wird dieser Tag ewig festgehalten sein.

In the annals of history, this day will be forever recorded.

Futur II / Passive of state.

Er hielt an der Fiktion einer heilen Welt fest.

He clung to the fiction of an intact world.

Nuanced psychological/literary usage.

Die Lyrik hält die Flüchtigkeit des Augenblicks fest.

Poetry captures the fleeting nature of the moment.

Abstract aesthetic context.

Es wurde vertraglich festgehalten, dass Stillschweigen zu bewahren ist.

It was contractually stipulated that silence is to be maintained.

Complex passive with 'zu' infinitive.

Die Kameraführung hielt die beklemmende Atmosphäre meisterhaft fest.

The cinematography masterfully captured the oppressive atmosphere.

Film criticism register.

Trotz widrigster Umstände hielt die Expedition an ihrer Route fest.

Despite the most adverse circumstances, the expedition stuck to its route.

Superlative adjective with 'trotz'.

Die Dokumentation hält die Gräueltaten für die Nachwelt fest.

The documentation records the atrocities for posterity.

Serious historical register.

Collocations courantes

den Moment festhalten

an einer Idee festhalten

im Protokoll festhalten

sich am Geländer festhalten

jemanden gewaltsam festhalten

schriftlich festhalten

an Traditionen festhalten

einen Verdächtigen festhalten

krampfhaft festhalten

fotografisch festhalten

Phrases Courantes

Halt dich fest!

— Used physically on a ride, or figuratively before telling surprising news.

Halt dich fest, ich habe im Lotto gewonnen!

An etwas (Dativ) festhalten

— To stick to something or refuse to give it up.

Ich halte an meinem Plan fest.

Es gilt festzuhalten...

— A formal way to say 'It should be noted...' or 'It is important to state...'

Es gilt festzuhalten, dass wir pünktlich waren.

Sich gegenseitig festhalten

— To hold onto each other for support or affection.

Das Paar hielt sich gegenseitig fest.

Einen Termin festhalten

— To confirm or 'lock in' a date in a calendar.

Lass uns den nächsten Montag festhalten.

Etwas bildlich festhalten

— To capture something in a visual way (drawing or photo).

Er hielt die Szene bildlich fest.

Jemanden am Arm festhalten

— To grab someone by the arm to stop them or get attention.

Sie hielt ihn am Arm fest.

An der Macht festhalten

— To cling to power (political context).

Der Diktator hält an der Macht fest.

Etwas für die Nachwelt festhalten

— To record something for future generations.

Diese Briefe halten die Geschichte für die Nachwelt fest.

Sich an der Hoffnung festhalten

— To cling to hope in a difficult situation.

Sie hielt sich an der Hoffnung fest, dass alles gut wird.

Souvent confondu avec

festhalten vs beibehalten

Beibehalten means to keep a habit; festhalten implies a more active or stubborn gripping/sticking.

festhalten vs anhalten

Anhalten means to stop (a car) or to last; festhalten is about holding tight.

festhalten vs aufhalten

Aufhalten means to delay someone or to hold open (a door), but not necessarily with a firm grip.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sich an einem Strohhalm festhalten"

— To grasp at straws; to rely on a tiny, unlikely bit of hope.

In seiner Verzweiflung hielt er sich an jedem Strohhalm fest.

informal

"Halt dich fest!"

— Get ready for a shock/surprise.

Halt dich fest: Wir ziehen nach Amerika!

informal

"An etwas wie eine Klette festhalten"

— To stick to something like a burr; to be very clingy.

Er hält an seiner Meinung wie eine Klette fest.

informal

"Etwas im Auge festhalten"

— To keep an eye on something (less common than 'behalten', but used).

Wir müssen diese Entwicklung festhalten.

neutral

"Den Augenblick festhalten"

— Carpe Diem; to seize and preserve the current moment.

Genieße das Leben und halte den Augenblick fest.

literary

"An seinen Prinzipien festhalten"

— To stand by one's principles firmly.

Trotz des Geldes hielt er an seinen Prinzipien fest.

neutral

"Einen Gedanken festhalten"

— To hold a thought; to not let a fleeting idea disappear.

Warten Sie, ich muss diesen Gedanken kurz festhalten.

neutral

"Jemanden beim Wort festhalten"

— To hold someone to their word (similar to 'beim Wort nehmen').

Ich werde dich bei deinem Versprechen festhalten.

neutral

"Sich an der Reling festhalten"

— Literally holding the railing, often used metaphorically for seeking stability.

In stürmischen Zeiten muss man sich an der Reling festhalten.

literary

"Etwas für immer festhalten"

— To preserve something eternally.

Ihre Liebe wurde in diesem Lied für immer festgehalten.

poetic

Facile à confondre

festhalten vs halten

Both involve holding.

Halten is general holding; festhalten is firm, secure holding or recording.

Ich halte ein Buch (holding) vs. Ich halte das Buch fest (holding tight).

festhalten vs verhaften

Both can mean detaining someone.

Verhaften is the formal legal arrest; festhalten is the physical act of detaining.

Die Bürger hielten den Dieb fest, bis die Polizei ihn verhaftete.

festhalten vs aufzeichnen

Both mean to record.

Aufzeichnen is technical (audio/video); festhalten is more general/abstract capture.

Die Kamera hält den Moment fest (captures) while aufzeichnen is the process.

festhalten vs klammern

Both involve gripping.

Klammern is much more intense, often desperate or using claws/clips.

Sie klammerte sich vor Angst an ihn.

festhalten vs fixieren

Both mean to make something stay in place.

Fixieren often involves tools or staring; festhalten usually involves hands or writing.

Er fixierte die Schraube.

Structures de phrases

Subjekt + hält + Objekt + fest.

Sie hält das Glas fest.

Subjekt + hat + Objekt + festgehalten.

Er hat das Foto festgehalten.

Subjekt + hält + an + Dativ + fest.

Ich halte an meinem Traum fest.

Es ist wichtig, + Objekt + festzuhalten.

Es ist wichtig, Details festzuhalten.

Objekt + wurde + festgehalten.

Der Termin wurde festgehalten.

Es gilt festzuhalten, dass + Nebensatz.

Es gilt festzuhalten, dass wir gewonnen haben.

Subjekt + hielt + krampfhaft + an + Dativ + fest.

Sie hielt krampfhaft an der Macht fest.

In + Dativ + wird + Subjekt + festgehalten.

In den Akten wird der Vorfall festgehalten.

Famille de mots

Noms

Das Festhalten (The act of holding/recording)

Der Haltegriff (The handle/grip)

Die Festhaltevorrichtung (Holding device/clamp)

Verbes

halten (to hold)

beibehalten (to maintain)

aufhalten (to stop/delay)

anhalten (to stop/pause)

Adjectifs

festgehalten (captured/recorded)

festhaltend (holding - present participle)

Apparenté

Festigkeit

Halt

Haltung

Haltbarkeit

Festnahme

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German.

Erreurs courantes

Ich festhalte das Seil. → Ich halte das Seil fest.
Festhalten is a separable verb; the prefix must go to the end of the main clause.
Ich halte an mein Plan fest. → Ich halte an meinem Plan fest.
The preposition 'an' in the sense of 'clinging to' requires the dative case.
Halt fest! → Halt dich fest!
When telling someone to hold on for their own safety, the reflexive 'dich' is required.
Er hat das Moment festgehalten. → Er hat den Moment festgehalten.
'Moment' is masculine (der Moment), so the accusative object must be 'den Moment'.
Wir müssen das in Protokoll festhalten. → Wir müssen das im Protokoll festhalten.
Contraction of 'in dem' (Dative) is necessary here.

Astuces

Separable Prefix Logic

Always remember that the 'fest' goes to the end in a main clause. 'Ich halte den Dieb fest.' Don't let it stick to the verb unless it's an infinitive or at the end of a subordinate clause.

Photography Context

Use 'festhalten' instead of 'machen' when talking about photos to sound more advanced. 'Ich möchte diesen Augenblick festhalten' sounds much better than 'Ich möchte ein Foto machen'.

Professionalism

In a German office, if you want to be taken seriously, say 'Lassen Sie uns das schriftlich festhalten'. It shows you are organized and value clear agreements.

Surprise!

Use 'Halt dich fest!' as an idiom before telling a friend something shocking. It's the equivalent of 'You won't believe this!' or 'Hold onto your hat!'

Vowel Change

Don't forget the 'a' to 'ä' change in the present tense: ich halte, du hältst, er hält. This is a common point of failure for B1 students.

Train Announcements

Next time you are in Germany, listen to the announcements on the platform or inside the train. 'Bitte festhalten' is one of the most common phrases you'll hear.

Essay Structure

Use 'Es gilt festzuhalten, dass...' to introduce your main conclusion or a key fact in a formal German essay. It's a high-level transition phrase.

Emotional Nuance

'An der Vergangenheit festhalten' usually has a slightly negative connotation of being unable to move on. Use it carefully.

Reflexive Use

If you are telling someone to hold on for safety, you MUST use 'sich'. 'Halt dich fest!' not just 'Halt fest!'

Detention vs Arrest

Remember that 'festhalten' is the physical detention. If the police take someone to the station permanently, they 'verhaften' (arrest) them.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Fasten' (like a seatbelt) + 'Halten' (holding). You are holding something so 'fast' (firmly) that it cannot move.

Association visuelle

Imagine a hand gripping a metal bar so tightly that the knuckles turn white. That is 'festhalten'.

Word Web

Grip Record Detain Stick to Capture Stabilize Protocol Memory

Défi

Try to use 'festhalten' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for a photo/note, and once for an opinion.

Origine du mot

A combination of the Old High German 'fest' (meaning firm, stable, or solid) and 'haltan' (meaning to keep, watch, or guard). The prefixing of 'fest' specifies the manner of holding.

Sens originel : To keep something in a firm or secure state.

Germanic

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using it with people; 'jemanden festhalten' can imply physical restraint, which might be perceived as aggressive if not used in a safety or legal context.

English speakers often use 'hold on' or 'record', but rarely one single word that covers both as effectively as 'festhalten'.

The song 'Halt dich an mir fest' by Revolverheld. Legal terms in the 'Strafprozessordnung' regarding 'vorläufige Festnahme'. Goethe's 'Verweile doch, du bist so schön' is the poetic essence of 'den Augenblick festhalten'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Public Transport

Bitte festhalten.
Sich an der Stange festhalten.
Halt dich gut fest!
Kein Halt ohne Festhalten.

Business

Im Protokoll festhalten.
Die Ziele festhalten.
Schriftlich festhalten.
An der Strategie festhalten.

Photography/Art

Den Moment festhalten.
Die Szene im Bild festhalten.
Eindrücke festhalten.
Fotografisch festhalten.

Legal/Police

Jemanden vorläufig festhalten.
Personalien festhalten.
Den Tathergang festhalten.
Beweise festhalten.

Personal Opinions

An seiner Meinung festhalten.
An alten Werten festhalten.
An der Hoffnung festhalten.
Stur an etwas festhalten.

Amorces de conversation

"Hältst du an deinen Neujahrsvorsätzen immer noch fest?"

"Wie hältst du deine schönsten Reiseerinnerungen am liebsten fest?"

"Gibt es eine Tradition, an der du unbedingt festhalten möchtest?"

"Was war der wichtigste Moment, den du jemals fotografisch festgehalten hast?"

"Findest du es wichtig, in Meetings alles schriftlich festzuhalten?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Überzeugung, an der du trotz Kritik festhältst. Warum ist sie dir wichtig?

Beschreibe einen Moment aus deiner Kindheit, den du gerne in einem Foto festgehalten hättest.

Reflektiere über eine Situation, in der du buchstäblich 'festgehalten' wurdest oder jemanden festhalten musstest.

Welche Pläne für die Zukunft hast du bereits schriftlich festgehalten?

Warum fällt es manchen Menschen so schwer, nicht an der Vergangenheit festzuhalten?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, in its standard meanings, 'fest' is a separable prefix. You say 'Ich halte fest' and 'Ich habe festgehalten'.

It always takes the Dative case because it describes a state of clinging to something rather than a movement towards it.

You can use it for 'detaining' someone physically or temporarily, but the formal legal term for an arrest is 'verhaften'.

The most natural way is 'Halt dich fest!' using the reflexive 'sich'.

While possible, it's more common to use 'die Aufmerksamkeit fesseln' or 'halten'. 'Festhalten' usually implies physical or documented capture.

'Beibehalten' is to continue a routine neutrally. 'An etwas festhalten' implies persistence, often against opposition.

It can be used as a participle adjective, e.g., 'Die festgehaltenen Personen' (The detained persons).

In the Präteritum, it is 'hielt fest'. Example: 'Er hielt den Moment fest.' In the Perfekt, it is 'hat festgehalten'.

Yes, 'seine Gedanken in einem Tagebuch festhalten' is a very common and elegant expression.

The gerund 'das Festhalten' is used, as in 'Das Festhalten an alten Bräuchen' (The clinging to old customs).

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