German Conversation · Level 165
29 words
German word
vorhalten
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌhaltən/
Meaning
- verbcriticize
Example
Die Mutter hält dem Sohn seine Unpünktlichkeit vor.
The mother criticizes her son for being late.
More examples
Die Opposition hält der Regierung ihre gebrochenen Versprechen vor.
The opposition criticizes the government for its broken promises.
Core concept
Something is held out in front of a person or kept ready, while a fault can be brought forward as an accusation.
Common phrases
jemandem etwas vorhalten
criticize ___ for ___
jemandem seine Vergangenheit vorhalten
criticize ___ for their past
Similar words
vorwerfen: Reproach someone by citing a specific action or remark.
kritisieren: Point out faults in conduct or opinions and judge them negatively.
beschuldigen: Accuse someone of being responsible for a particular event.
zurechtweisen: Admonish someone by pointing out misconduct to correct it.
Definition in German
jemandem etwas vorhalten heißt, einer Person ihren Fehler oder ihr Fehlverhalten ausdrücklich als Vorwurf zu nennen
Word origin
Vorhalten is the separable compound vor + halten, originally describing something held in front; this developed into meanings involving readiness and presenting a fault as an accusation.
Usage tips
- In the reproach sense, vorhalten takes a dative person and an accusative fault, as in jemandem etwas vorhalten.
Other meanings
- keep on handverb
- hold upverb
Opposites
- lobenpraiseverb
- anerkennenrecognizeverb
Related words
- Vorhaltungreproachnoun
- Vorhaltreproachnoun