to hold out
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to hold out
To remain patiently and steadfastly in a place or situation, even when it is difficult, lengthy, or unpleasant.
Die Fans harrten stundenlang im Regen aus, um die Band zu sehen.
The fans held out for hours in the rain to see the band.
'Ausharren' (to hold out) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus-' comes at the end in a main clause. It strengthens the meaning of 'harren' (to wait) and emphasizes patiently enduring a situation until the end.
Trotz des schlechten Wetters harrten die Zuschauer bis zum Spielende aus.
Despite the bad weather, the spectators held out until the end of the game.
This verb belongs to an elevated, rather written style. It expresses more than just 'warten' (to wait), namely steadfastness and patience under difficult circumstances.
Die Bergsteiger harrten in der Hütte aus, bis der Sturm vorüber war.
The mountaineers held out in the hut until the storm was over.
'Ausharren' (to hold out) can stand without an object. Often, however, a preposition is used to describe the place or situation in which someone holds out, for example 'im Stau ausharren' (to be stuck waiting in traffic) or 'vor der Tür ausharren' (to wait outside the door).
Wir mussten stundenlang in der Schlange ausharren.
We had to hold out in line for hours.
to wait / maintain
Warten focuses on the expected event, such as help arriving. Ausharren, by contrast, emphasizes remaining steadfast in one place despite difficult or unpleasant circumstances. If the goal is the main focus, “warten” is appropriate; for staying on despite hardship, “ausharren” is more suitable.
Die Wanderer harren in der kalten Hütte aus, obwohl die Nacht sehr unangenehm ist.
The hikers hold out in the cold hut even though the night is very unpleasant.
Die Wanderer warten in der kalten Hütte auf Hilfe.
The hikers are waiting for help in the cold hut.
