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.
to stay away
To deliberately keep your distance from a person, place, or situation and avoid contact.
Seit dem Streit hält er sich von seiner Familie fern.
Since the argument, he has stayed away from his family.
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 prevent / hold
When protecting against something, both „abhalten“ and „fernhalten“ can be appropriate. „Abhalten“ emphasizes that cold, rain, or noise is kept from getting in or having an effect. „Fernhalten“, on the other hand, emphasizes that a person or thing does not come near at all. Choose according to whether the focus is on the effect or on distance.
Der Zaun hält die Kinder von der gefährlichen Straße fern.
The fence keeps the children away from the dangerous road.
Die dicken Vorhänge halten den Lärm von der Straße ab.
The thick curtains keep the noise from the street out.
