to maintain
Loading your saved state.
to maintain
To ensure that a certain state, order, or situation continues to exist and does not end or get interrupted.
Es ist wichtig, die öffentliche Ordnung aufrechtzuerhalten.
It is important to maintain public order.
The verb is made up of 'aufrecht' (upright) and 'erhalten' (to preserve/maintain). The literal meaning 'etwas aufrecht halten' (to keep something upright) helps you understand the figurative meaning: you make sure that something does not collapse or come to an end.
Die Firma konnte die Produktion auch während der Krise aufrechterhalten.
The company was able to maintain production even during the crisis.
'Aufrechterhalten' (to maintain) is a separable verb. In a main clause, 'aufrecht' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu' (aufrechtzuerhalten), the verb stays together.
Er hält den Kontakt zu seinen Kollegen aufrecht.
He maintains contact with his colleagues.
This verb belongs to formal language and is mainly used in written, official, or elevated contexts.
Die Polizei muss die öffentliche Sicherheit aufrechterhalten.
The police must maintain public safety.
The verb is used with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are 'den Kontakt' (contact), 'die Ordnung' (order), 'ein Angebot' (an offer), 'eine Forderung' (a demand), or 'die Kommunikation' (communication) with 'aufrechterhalten' (to maintain).
Trotz der Meinungsverschiedenheit hielt sie ihr Angebot aufrecht.
Despite the disagreement, she maintained her offer.
to hold
'halten' and 'aufrechterhalten' can both mean that a state continues to exist. 'halten' is more general and simpler, for example: 'den Raum warm halten' (to keep the room warm) or 'die Ordnung halten' (to keep order). 'aufrechterhalten' sounds more deliberate and often somewhat more formal. You use it when you actively make sure that something does not end, such as contact, order, safety, or an operation. Learners may confuse the words because both express 'not letting something end'. As a practical guide: for simple everyday states, 'halten' often fits; for relationships, systems, or a deliberately preserved situation, 'aufrechterhalten' often fits.
Von zu Hause aus halten wir den Kontakt zu unseren alten Schulfreunden aufrecht.
From home, we maintain contact with our old school friends.
Tara hält die Wohnung im Winter mit einem kleinen Ofen warm.
Tara keeps the apartment warm in winter with a small stove.