halte durch
The German phrase for 'hang in there' is halte durch.
halte durch is an encouraging expression used to tell someone to keep trying and not give up during a difficult situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a separable verb construction where halte comes from halten (to hold) and durch means 'through'. Literally, it means 'hold through'.
Which one should you use?
While halte durch is the command to hang in there, the infinitive durchhalten is the verb form used to describe the act of persevering or enduring.
How does it change in a sentence?
halte durch is the singular imperative. If you are encouraging a group of people, you should use the plural imperative haltet durch instead. In formal settings addressing one person, use the imperative halten Sie durch.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says they are 'durch', it might not mean they are persevering, but rather that they have finished a task or are completely exhausted.
- If someone is totally 'out there' or eccentric, Germans might call them durchgeknallt, which combines durch with the word for 'cracked' or 'popped'.
- The word durch is a cognate of the English words 'through' and 'thorough'. It also shares a common ancestor with the Dutch word door.
Examples in context
- Halte durch!Hang in there.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase halte durch.Tatoeba #2190150 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2173924 by Hybrid
- Halte durch, Tom!Hang in there, Tom.This sentence shows how to use the phrase halte durch when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #8804105 by wolfgangth, translation #2648137 by CK
- Halten Sie durch, wir glauben an SieHang in there, we believe in you
- Geben Sie nicht auf, Sie schaffen dasDon't give up, you can do it
- Bleiben Sie stark, wir sind hier für SieStay strong, we're here for you
- Halt durch, alles wird gutHang in there, everything will be okay
- Sei stark, wir stehen hinter dirBe strong, we stand behind you
- Du schaffst das, halte durch!You can do this, hang in there!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix is exhausted from studying for his final exams.
- HannahDie Prüfung ist bald vorbei.The exam is almost over.
- FelixIch bin so müde.I am so tired.
- HannahNur noch ein bisschen, halte durch!Just a little bit more, hang in there!
- FelixDanke, Hannah.Thanks, Hannah.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries durch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
