Halter
[ˈhaltɐ]
The English word 'holder' can be translated into German as Halter. If unsure, use Halter. Wiktionary also lists Ständer and Halterung.
Meaning: a thing that holds (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Halter | [ˈhaltɐ] (narrow) | |
| Ständer | /ˈʃtɛndɐ/ | masculine |
| Halterung | feminine |
The term refers to a thing that holds.
Which one should you use?
Halter is used for a person or thing that holds or supports something, often in a more abstract or functional sense. In contrast, Ständer specifically refers to a holder that is a stand or a pedestal, such as a coat stand or a candle holder. Halterung is used for a mounting mechanism or a bracket used to fix something in place, like a wall mount for a TV.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun Ständer is an indeclinable noun in the singular, meaning its form does not change in the plural. The feminine noun Halterung forms its plural by adding the suffix -en.
Did you know?
- The word Ständer can be a linguistic trap because it is also a common slang term for an erection.
- In modern German, Halter is the legal term for the 'keeper' or 'registered owner' of a vehicle, regardless of who is driving.
- The word Halter has an unexpected religious history, tracing back to the Old High German word haltāri, which meant 'saviour'.
Examples in context
- Ich bin der Inhaber dieses Ausweises.I am the holder of this ID.
- Er ist der stolze Besitzer dieses Restaurants.He is the proud owner of this restaurant.
- Sie ist die Trägerin des Stolzes ihrer Familie.She is the bearer of her family's pride.
- Der Halter ist aus Metall.The holder is made of metal.
- Ich brauche einen neuen Halter für das Tablet.I need a new holder for the tablet.
- Der Halter passt nicht in die Tasche.The holder does not fit in the bag.
Example conversation
In a hardware store, Julian is looking for a tool.
- SarahSuchst du einen Halter?Are you looking for a holder?
- JulianJa, ich suche einen Halter für mein Werkzeug.Yes, I am looking for a holder for my tool.
- SarahDieser Halter hier ist sehr stabil.This holder here is very stable.
- JulianDanke, der Halter sieht gut aus.Thanks, the holder looks good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holder” translations and entries Halter, Ständer, Halterung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Halter, Halterung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
