German word

mithalten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪtˌhaltən/

Meaning

  • verbkeep up

Example

Ich kann mit ihm nicht mithalten.

I can't keep up with him.

Illustration for mithalten (keep up)

More examples

In Fachdebatten ist es oft schwierig, inhaltlich mithalten zu können.

In specialist debates, it is often difficult to keep up in terms of content.

Core concept

A person stays alongside a faster or stronger participant without falling behind, in movement, performance, or competition.

Common phrases

  • mit Muttersprachlern mithalten

    keep up with native speakers

  • bei komplexen Diskussionen mithalten

    keep up in complex discussions

Similar words

mitkommen: To join others in going to the same place or taking part in an activity.
folgen: To go after someone or follow the course of their movements or speech.
aufholen: To catch up after falling behind and reach the same position or level.
schritthalten: To keep pace with someone while walking without falling behind.

Definition in German

Mit jemandem das gleiche Tempo oder Leistungsniveau behalten und nicht zurückfallen.

Word origin

Mithalten is a separable compound of mit ('with') and halten ('hold'), an inherited Germanic verb whose literal sense developed into keeping pace or competing.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, mithalten places mit at the end of a main clause, as in 'Ich halte mit ihm mit', but stays together after a modal: 'Ich kann mit ihm mithalten'.

Other meanings

  • competeverb
  • matchverb

Opposites

  • zurückbleibenfall behindverb

Related words

Word lists with this word