auf|halten
Translation
to stop, to delay, to hold open, to stay
Examples
Der Regen hat uns aufgehalten.
The rain held us up.
Kannst du mir die Tür aufhalten?
Can you hold the door open for me?
Wo hältst du dich gerade auf?
Where are you right now?
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to stop/delay sb./sth. Der Regen hat uns aufgehalten.
((sth.)) to hold sth. open Kannst du mir die Tür aufhalten?
((sich)) ((in/at a place)) to stay/be located somewhere Wo hältst du dich gerade auf?
Similar Words
Etymology
From 'auf-' (up, open) and 'halten' (to hold). Literally 'to hold up' (delay) or 'to hold open' (a door). The reflexive form 'sich aufhalten' means 'to stay' or 'to be located'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'holding up' your hand to stop someone, or 'holding a door open'. For the reflexive form, imagine where you are 'holding yourself up', i.e., where you are staying.