Our next False Friend Quiz takes a look at the word Halten in German and its meaning in English. Looking at it in terms of lexica and when it stands out, Halten means either To Hold or To Keep in English, pending on how the word is used. Use the German word as an expression, one will find different meanings in English that stand out far away from the meaning of the single word. Combine Hold with another word in English you will find not only a different meaning but when translated into German, one has to think about paraphrasing. In other words, no matter if it’s a noun or preposition, each phrasal pair has a different meaning that is difficult to translate without having to encounter a false friend.
How different? Let’s check this out with a set of activities for you to do. The Answers will be made available next week. Good Luck! 🙂
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Exercise 1: Translate the following expressions correctly into English.
- Einen Vortrag halten
- Die Ohren steiff halten
- Sich über Wasser halten
- Jemanden auf dem Laufenden halten
- Sich in Grenzen halten
- Die Stellung halten
- Das Versprechen halten
- Die Klappe halten
Exercise 2: Repeat the same procedure but into German.
- To hold (all) the cards.
- To hold back
- Hold a candle to someone
- To hold water
- Hold your peace
- Hold your horses
- To hold your court
- Get ahold of someone/something
Exercise 3: Match and Translate Match the following phrasal verbs to the meanings on the right. Then translate them into German.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Auf Deutsch |
| 1. Hold on | a. Keep to something | 1. |
| 2. Hold back | b. Delay/Postpone/Cancel | 2. |
| 3. Hold off | c. Wait/ Stay put | 3. |
| 4. Hold to | d. Limit/ keep down | 4. |
| 5. Hold with | e. Agree with/ support something | 5. |
| 6. Hold down | f. Retreat | 6. |
Check out the other False Friend pairs and other activities by clicking on the window below:
It also includes the answers from the False Friends Quiz on Feelings. 🙂
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