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die Haltung
posture
The way someone holds their body; body posture.
example
Eine aufrechte Haltung kann Rückenschmerzen vorbeugen.
Good posture can help prevent back pain.
die Haltung
posture / attitude
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Haltung' comes from the verb 'halten' (to hold). This connection helps you understand the meanings: the way you hold your body (body posture), an opinion you hold (attitude), the keeping of animals, or the composure you hold on to (keep).
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine klare Haltung zu politischen Themen.
He has a clear attitude toward political issues.
Typical collocations
In connection with body posture, people often speak of 'gute Haltung' (good posture) or 'schlechte Haltung' (bad posture). 'Eine aufrechte Haltung' (an upright posture) is also a fixed combination.
EXAMPLE
Langes Sitzen am Schreibtisch führt oft zu einer schlechten Haltung.
Sitting at a desk for long periods often leads to bad posture.
Correct preposition
When 'Haltung' (attitude) means an opinion, it is often used with the preposition 'zu' or 'gegenüber' (both with the dative) to name the topic.
EXAMPLE
Wie ist deine Haltung zu diesem Vorschlag?
What is your attitude toward this proposal?
Typical collocations
In the context of animal husbandry, 'artgerechte Haltung' (species-appropriate keeping) and the compound 'die Massentierhaltung' (factory farming) are important and common terms.
EXAMPLE
Viele Verbraucher achten auf eine artgerechte Haltung der Tiere.
Many consumers pay attention to species-appropriate keeping of animals.
Fixed expression
The ability to remain calm and controlled in a difficult situation is expressed with the fixed phrase 'die Haltung bewahren' (to maintain one's composure).
EXAMPLE
Obwohl sie sehr nervös war, bewahrte sie während des Vortrags ihre Haltung.
Although she was very nervous, she maintained her composure during the presentation.
Compare with
Haltung vs Stand
status / stand
'der Stand' and 'die Haltung' can both have to do with the body. 'der Stand' mainly describes how someone is standing, for example whether the feet are stable or whether someone has a firm stance. 'die Haltung' means the whole body posture, that is, how someone holds their back, shoulders, or head. You can confuse the words because both are visible when someone is standing. When it is about stability and the position of the feet, 'Stand' fits. When it is about the overall shape of the body, 'Haltung' fits.
Haltung
Nach vielen Stunden am Schreibtisch ist ihre Haltung oft schlecht.
After many hours at the desk, her posture is often poor.
Stand
Beim Training achtet der Trainer darauf, dass alle einen sicheren Stand haben.
During training, the trainer makes sure that everyone has a secure stance.
In real life
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