einhalten
to keep / comply with
To follow or fulfill something that has been specified or promised, such as a rule, deadline, or agreement.
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, die vereinbarten Fristen einzuhalten.
It is important to keep the agreed deadlines.
einhalten
to keep / to comply with
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Meanings
einhalten
to stop / pause
To stop briefly or pause during a movement or activity. This meaning is less common and often sounds elevated or literary.
EXAMPLE
Der Reiter ließ das Pferd einhalten, um die Landschaft zu betrachten.
The rider made the horse stop in order to look at the landscape.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einhalten' (to keep / to comply with) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer hielt die Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung genau ein.
The driver kept exactly to the speed limit.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'ein' and 'halten'. You can imagine it as staying ('hält') within ('ein') a certain framework, such as a rule or a deadline, and not leaving it.
EXAMPLE
Bitte halten Sie die Sicherheitsvorschriften ein.
Please comply with the safety regulations.
Accusative object
The thing that is complied with or kept (a rule, an appointment, a promise) is always in the accusative. You ask: Whom or what am I keeping/complying with?
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen den Zeitplan einhalten.
We have to keep to the schedule.
Typical collocations
'Einhalten' (to keep / to comply with) is very often used with abstract nouns that express an obligation: 'eine Frist einhalten' (to meet a deadline), 'Regeln einhalten' (to follow rules), 'ein Versprechen einhalten' (to keep a promise), 'eine Vereinbarung einhalten' (to honor an agreement).
EXAMPLE
Alle Mitarbeiter müssen die neuen Datenschutzrichtlinien einhalten.
All employees must comply with the new data protection guidelines.
Register
The meaning 'innehalten' (to pause) or 'eine Pause machen' (to take a break) is rare and is used almost only in literature or in very elevated language. It is unusual in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderer hielt einen Moment ein, um die Aussicht zu genießen.
The hiker paused for a moment to enjoy the view.
Compare with
einhalten vs folgen
to follow
When talking about rules, folgen and einhalten can both express acting in accordance with a rule. Folgen emphasizes acting according to a rule or instruction; einhalten emphasizes fulfilling a requirement or not exceeding a limit. For deadlines, appointments, and promises, use einhalten, not folgen.
einhalten
Die Fahrer halten in der Baustelle die vorgeschriebene Geschwindigkeit ein.
The drivers observe the required speed in the construction zone.
folgen
Die Fahrer folgen den neuen Regeln für die Baustelle.
The drivers follow the new rules for the construction site.
In real life
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