zurückhalten
to hold back
To physically prevent someone or something from moving forward or leaving.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei musste die aufgeregte Menge zurückhalten.
The police had to hold back the excited crowd.
zurückhalten
to hold back / withhold
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Meanings
sich zurückhalten
to hold back
To consciously behave inconspicuously, cautiously, or modestly and not take the initiative or put oneself in the foreground.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Diskussion hielt er sich bewusst zurück und hörte nur zu.
During the discussion, he deliberately held back and just listened.
zurückhalten
to hold back
To keep information, feelings, or an opinion to oneself and not express or show them.
EXAMPLE
Er konnte seine Freude über die Nachricht kaum zurückhalten.
He could hardly hold back his joy about the news.
zurückhalten
to withhold
To retain something, especially money, and not pay it out or hand it over, often as security or because of a defect.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der Baumängel hat der Bauherr einen Teil der Zahlung zurückgehalten.
Because of the construction defects, the client withheld part of the payment.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurückhalten' (to hold back/withhold) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er hielt den Hund an der Leine zurück.
He held the dog back on the leash.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'zurück' (back) and 'halten' (to hold). The literal meaning 'to hold back' or 'to prevent from moving forward' is the basis for all figurative meanings, such as holding back feelings or withholding money.
EXAMPLE
Die Sicherheitskräfte hielten die Fans zurück.
The security forces held the fans back.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'to behave modestly', the verb is always used reflexively with 'sich' in the accusative. It describes a conscious decision not to become active or attract attention.
EXAMPLE
Normalerweise ist sie sehr gesprächig, aber heute hält sie sich zurück.
Normally she is very talkative, but today she is holding back.
Typical collocations
When the idea is not expressing something, 'zurückhalten' (to hold back) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Informationen' (information), 'Meinung' (opinion), 'Gefühle' (feelings), 'Wut' (anger), or 'Tränen' (tears).
EXAMPLE
Er konnte ein Lachen kaum zurückhalten.
He could hardly hold back a laugh.
Context clue: the object
The exact meaning often depends on the object. If it is a person or an animal, the physical meaning is intended. With abstract things like 'Meinung' (opinion) or 'Gefühl' (feeling), it is about not expressing something. With 'Geld' (money) or 'Zahlung' (payment), it is about withholding.
EXAMPLE
Sie hielt ihren Sohn am Arm zurück.
She held her son back by the arm.
Compare with
zurückhalten vs festhalten
to hold / record
Both words can express preventing someone from leaving. “Festhalten” tends to emphasize physically grabbing or detaining the person, while “zurückhalten” highlights stopping the person from moving on or escaping. Choose “festhalten” when someone is held directly and “zurückhalten” when someone is stopped from continuing on.
zurückhalten
Der Sicherheitsdienst hielt den Mann am Ausgang zurück, bis die Polizei kam.
The security officers held the man back at the exit until the police arrived.
festhalten
Der Sicherheitsdienst hielt den Mann am Arm fest, bis die Polizei kam.
The security officers held the man by the arm until the police arrived.
In real life
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