German Conversation · Level 162
29 words
German word
vorbehalten
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯bəˌhaltən/
Meaning
- verbreserve
Example
Der Tisch ist für Sie vorbehalten.
The table is reserved for you.
More examples
Der Veranstalter hat sich Änderungen vorbehalten.
The organizer has reserved the right to make changes.
Core concept
A place, right, or option is kept behind a boundary for a chosen person, purpose, or later time.
Common phrases
sich Änderungen vorbehalten
reserve the right to make changes
sich etwas vorbehalten
reserve something
Similar words
reservieren: Booked by name or time so a seat, service, or resource is secured.
freihalten: Left unused so a particular person can have the space or time.
vormerken: Noted in advance for possible later use by a particular person.
zurücklegen: Put aside separately for someone who is expected to claim it later.
Definition in German
Etwas für später oder für bestimmte Zwecke zurückhalten oder sichern, damit es nicht frei verfügbar ist.
Word origin
The separable verb combines vor ('ahead' or 'in front') with behalten ('keep'), giving the sense of keeping something set aside.
Usage tips
- In formal notices, vorbehalten often marks a reserved right or restricted use, while reserviert is more usual for a booked seat or table.
Other meanings
- retainverb
Opposites
- verzichtenwaiveverb
Related words
- Vorbehaltsklauselreservation clausenoun
- Vorbehaltreservationnoun