01
aufhalten
to delay
To prevent someone or something from continuing on or continuing an activity; to delay.
example
Entschuldigung für die Verspätung, ich wurde von einem Anruf aufgehalten.
Sorry for being late; I was delayed by a phone call.
aufhalten
to delay / stay / hold open
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufhalten' (to delay/to hold open) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Stau hält uns auf.
The traffic jam is delaying us.
Context clue
The reflexive form 'sich aufhalten' (to stay/be located) always means that someone is in a place. Without the reflexive pronoun 'sich', the verb means 'to delay' or 'to hold open'.
EXAMPLE
Wo hält sich der Verdächtige gerade auf?
Where is the suspect currently staying?
Sentence structure
In the meaning 'to delay', the structure 'jemanden aufhalten' (to delay someone) is often used. In the passive, the form is 'aufgehalten werden' (to be delayed).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns gehen, ich will dich nicht länger aufhalten.
Let's go; I don't want to delay you any longer.
Use with location
The form 'sich aufhalten' (to stay/be located) is always used with an indication of place. You stay 'in' a city, 'an' a place, or 'bei' friends.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer halten wir uns am liebsten am See auf.
In summer, we prefer to stay by the lake.
Register
'Sich aufhalten' (to stay/be located) is often part of formal or official language, for example in police reports or administrative letters.
EXAMPLE
Der Gesuchte soll sich im Ausland aufhalten.
The wanted person is said to be staying abroad.
Typical objects
In the meaning 'to hold open', the objects are almost always 'die Tür' (the door), 'das Fenster' (the window), or 'das Tor' (the gate).
EXAMPLE
Sei so nett und halte mir die Tür auf, meine Hände sind voll.
Be so kind and hold the door open for me; my hands are full.
Compare with
aufhalten vs bleiben
to stay / remain
'bleiben' and 'sich aufhalten' can both mean that someone is in a place and does not leave right away. 'bleiben' sounds everyday and often emphasizes the decision not to leave. 'sich aufhalten' sounds a bit more precise or formal and more often describes where someone is for a certain period of time. In everyday life, people often say 'Ich bleibe hier' (I'm staying here). In official or more precise situations, 'sich aufhalten' works well, for example when giving a location.
aufhalten
Der Besucher hält sich seit dem Morgen im Büro auf.
The visitor has been staying in the office since this morning.
bleiben
Wegen des starken Regens bleiben wir heute zu Hause.
Because of the heavy rain, we're staying at home today.
In real life
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