to preserve
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to preserve
To maintain or protect something abstract, such as a condition, reputation, or quality, so that it is not lost.
Trotz der schwierigen Situation versuchte er, den Schein zu wahren.
Despite the difficult situation, he tried to keep up appearances.
to guard against
To protect oneself from a danger or something negative. This use is formal and rather rare.
Man muss sich vor falschen Versprechungen wahren.
One must guard against false promises.
The verb 'wahren' (to preserve) is closely related to the adjective 'wahr' (true). It means to keep or preserve something in a 'true', correct, or intact state.
Er versucht, sein Gesicht zu wahren und keine Schwäche zu zeigen.
He tries to save face and not show any weakness.
'Wahren' is mainly used in written language or in formal contexts. It often sounds more elevated than other verbs with a similar meaning.
Die Diplomatin musste unter Druck die Contenance wahren.
The diplomat had to maintain her composure under pressure.
The verb 'wahren' is almost always used with abstract nouns in the accusative. Typical combinations are: die Ruhe wahren (to keep calm), die Fassung wahren (to maintain one's composure), einen kühlen Kopf wahren (to keep a cool head), or die Distanz wahren (to keep one's distance).
Auch in der hektischen Diskussion wahrte sie stets einen kühlen Kopf.
Even in the hectic discussion, she always kept a cool head.
In this rare and formal meaning, 'wahren' is reflexive and is used with the preposition 'vor' and the dative. The structure is always: sich vor jemandem/etwas wahren (to guard oneself against someone/something).
Ein kluger Anleger wahrt sich vor zu riskanten Investitionen.
A smart investor guards against overly risky investments.
to receive / preserve / support
Erhalten and wahren can both express that an existing state continues. Erhalten emphasizes its continued existence, often through care or supportive measures. Wahren is used especially with abstract states and emphasizes that someone consciously protects or upholds them.
Trotz des neuen Streits wahren beide Gruppen den Frieden.
Despite the new dispute, both groups maintain the peace.
Regelmäßige Gespräche erhalten den Frieden zwischen den beiden Gruppen.
Regular conversations preserve the peace between the two groups.
