unterhalten
Translation
to talk, to chat, to entertain, to maintain
Examples
Wir haben uns über das Wetter unterhalten.
We talked about the weather.
Der Film hat uns gut unterhalten.
The film entertained us well.
Er muss eine große Familie unterhalten.
He has to support a large family.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((über+4)) unterhalten to talk about sth. We are talking about politics.
((j-n)) unterhalten to entertain sb. The comedian entertains the audience.
((j-n/et4)) unterhalten to maintain/support sb./sth. He supports his family.
Similar Words
Etymology
From 'unter' (among, under) + 'halten' (to hold). The idea is 'to hold' a conversation 'among' people, 'to hold' an audience's attention, or 'to hold up/support' a family.
Memory Tips
Think of the core verb 'halten' (to hold). 'sich unterhalten' is to hold a conversation. 'unterhalten' is to hold someone's interest. To 'unterhalten' a family is to hold them up financially.