to stick together / hold together
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to stick together
To be united as a group, family, or team, to support each other and remain loyal to one another, especially in difficult times.
In dieser Krise müssen wir als Familie fest zusammenhalten.
In this crisis, we as a family have to stick together.
'Zusammenhalten' (to stick together/hold together) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zusammen' comes at the end in a main clause, while in a subordinate clause it stays connected to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
In schweren Zeiten halten wir immer zusammen.
In difficult times, we always stick together.
The word consists of 'zusammen' (together) and 'halten' (to hold). The meaning is quite literal: you 'hold' something or a group 'together' so that it does not fall apart—whether in a figurative or physical sense.
Ein gutes Team hält auch bei Problemen zusammen.
A good team sticks together even when there are problems.
In the figurative sense, 'zusammenhalten' (to stick together) is often used with groups. Typical phrases are 'als Familie zusammenhalten' (to stick together as a family), 'als Team zusammenhalten' (to stick together as a team), or with adverbs like 'fest' (firmly) or 'eng zusammenhalten' (to stick closely together).
Die Geschwister halten auch als Erwachsene noch eng zusammen.
The siblings still stick closely together even as adults.
You can recognize this physical meaning because the subject is often an object that connects something. This can be glue, a clip, a rope, or even hands.
Der Leim hält die Holzteile fest zusammen.
The glue holds the wooden parts firmly together.
to connect / to bandage
'verbinden' and 'zusammenhalten' can both mean that things or people are not separated. 'verbinden' emphasizes the process more: you create a connection between two parts, for example with cables, glue, or through a merger. 'zusammenhalten' emphasizes more that something stays connected or that people support one another. With groups, 'zusammenhalten' is especially natural when it is about solidarity. The words can be confused because both express closeness and unity. As a guide: 'verbinden' creates a connection; 'zusammenhalten' maintains it.
In schwierigen Zeiten hält die Familie besonders fest zusammen.
In difficult times, the family sticks together especially closely.
Der Techniker verbindet den Drucker mit dem neuen Computer.
The technician connects the printer to the new computer.