to withhold
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to withhold something from someone
To deliberately not give, communicate, or make accessible something to someone that they are entitled to or expect.
Der Angeklagte hat dem Gericht wichtige Informationen vorenthalten.
The defendant withheld important information from the court.
'Vorenthalten' (to withhold) is a separable verb with the prefix 'vor-'. In a main clause, the prefix stands at the end. In a subordinate clause and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Er hält seinen Kollegen Informationen vor.
He withholds information from his colleagues.
This verb has a fixed sentence structure: the person from whom something is withheld is in the dative. The thing that is withheld is in the accusative. So the pattern is: JEMANDEM (dative) ETWAS (accusative) vorenthalten.
Warum hast du mir diese wichtige Information vorenthalten?
Why did you withhold this important information from me?
Abstract things such as 'Informationen' (information), 'die Wahrheit' (the truth), 'Beweise' (evidence), or 'Details' (details) are often withheld. The word is often used in a serious or formal context.
Die Firma hat ihren Kunden die vollen Risiken des Produkts vorenthalten.
The company withheld the full risks of the product from its customers.
to fail / to deny
Versagen and vorenthalten can both mean that someone does not receive something they expect. Versagen primarily refers to refusing to grant something, whereas vorenthalten suggests that something already exists or is available and is being deliberately withheld. When the focus is on withholding something, vorenthalten is more appropriate; when the focus is on a decision, versagen is usually the better choice.
Der Ausschuss hielt ihr die bereits vorliegende Begründung absichtlich vorenthalten.
The committee deliberately withheld the justification that was already available from her.
Der Ausschuss versagte ihr die beantragte Anerkennung.
The committee denied her the recognition she had applied for.
