to withhold
Loading your saved state.
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 grant
'gewähren' and 'vorenthalten' form a clear contrast. With 'gewähren', someone receives something, often after a request or through an official decision. With 'vorenthalten', someone deliberately does not receive something, even though they expect it or have a right to it. 'gewähren' sounds like permission or approval, while 'vorenthalten' sounds like holding something back and often also like unfair treatment.
Der Vermieter hat den Mietern wichtige Informationen über den Schaden vorenthalten.
The landlord withheld important information about the damage from the tenants.
Die Firma gewährt den Mitarbeitenden einen freien Tag nach dem Feiertag.
The company grants employees a day off after the public holiday.