behalten
Translation
to keep, to retain, to remember
Examples
Sie können das Buch behalten.
You can keep the book.
Ich kann mir Namen schlecht behalten.
I'm bad at remembering names.
Behalten Sie den Rest.
Keep the change.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to keep sth. May I keep this pen?
((sth.)) ((for oneself)) to keep sth. to oneself He keeps his opinion to himself.
Similar Words
Synonyms: aufbewahren, beibehalten; Antonyms: weggeben, verlieren
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' and 'halten' (to hold). The literal sense is 'to hold on to something'.
Memory Tips
Imagine you 'halten' (hold) something, and the prefix 'be-' makes the action continuous, so you 'behalten' (keep) it.