to maintain
Loading your saved state.
to maintain
To leave something as it is; not to change a habit, rule, state, or direction.
Wir haben beschlossen, die bisherige Strategie auch im nächsten Jahr beizubehalten.
We decided to maintain the existing strategy next year as well.
'Beibehalten' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'bei' stands at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Trotz der Kritik behält der Trainer seine Taktik bei.
Despite the criticism, the coach maintains his tactics.
When you form the infinitive with 'zu,' 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb: 'beizubehalten.' This is typical for separable verbs.
Er versucht, seine positive Einstellung auch in schwierigen Zeiten beizubehalten.
He tries to maintain his positive attitude even in difficult times.
This verb is often used with abstract nouns in the accusative. Typical examples are 'einen Kurs beibehalten' (to maintain a course), 'eine Gewohnheit beibehalten' (to maintain a habit), or 'eine Regelung beibehalten' (to maintain a regulation).
Die Firma wird den eingeschlagenen Sparkurs beibehalten.
The company will maintain the austerity course it has taken.
'Beibehalten' tends to belong to formal or written language. It is often found in official announcements, reports, or politics.
Die Regierung hat angekündigt, die aktuellen Maßnahmen beizubehalten.
The government has announced that it will maintain the current measures.
to receive / preserve / support
Erhalten and beibehalten can both refer to something that already exists. Erhalten emphasizes that it does not deteriorate or get lost because it is protected or cared for. Beibehalten means consciously deciding against a change and continuing with the previous state.
Beim Umbau behalten wir die bisherige Fassade unverändert bei.
During the renovation, we are keeping the existing facade unchanged.
Wir erhalten die alte Fassade durch sorgfältige Reparaturen.
We are preserving the old facade through careful repairs.
