to keep away
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to keep away
To make sure that a person or thing does not come near someone or something else, often for reasons of protection or safety.
Man sollte kleine Kinder von heißen Herdplatten fernhalten.
You should keep small children away from hot stovetops.
The verb is made up of 'fern' (far away) and 'halten' (to hold/keep). Its literal meaning is therefore to 'keep someone or something far away.'
Bitte halte den Hund von den neuen Möbeln fern.
Please keep the dog away from the new furniture.
'Fernhalten' (to keep away) is a separable verb. The prefix 'fern' goes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er hält sich bewusst von allen Problemen fern.
He deliberately keeps away from all problems.
This verb is always used with the preposition 'von' (from) and the dative. It describes what distance is being kept from.
Halte dich bitte von dem nassen Lack fern!
Please stay away from the wet paint!
to avoid
'vermeiden' and 'fernhalten' can both express keeping a distance from something. 'vermeiden' is used when you consciously do not do something undesirable or want to prevent it, for example a mistake or an argument. 'fernhalten' emphasizes distance: someone or something should not come near. You can do this yourself, for example 'sich von einer Person fernhalten' (to stay away from a person), or you can keep others away from something. The words can be confused because both express protection or caution. 'vermeiden' fits better with actions and situations; 'fernhalten' fits better with people, places, or dangerous things.
Im Garten hält die Mutter das kleine Kind vom heißen Grill fern.
In the garden, the mother keeps the small child away from the hot grill.
Herr Krüger vermeidet im Gespräch klare Versprechen, weil noch nichts sicher ist.
In the conversation, Mr. Krüger avoids making clear promises because nothing is certain yet.