Abstand halten

to keep distance

Türkçe: mesafeyi korumak

Noun

Abstand m.

Verb

halten

Topic

Alltag und Redewendungen

In a sentence

Der Jogger hält auf dem schmalen Weg Abstand zu den Radfahrern.

How it is used

Means 'to keep distance' (physical or emotional). Neutral register. Use literally in queues or during illness; figuratively in relationships. Common mistake: learners forget it's also used for social boundaries.

Other verbs that go with Abstand

This is the choice the collocation turns on.

• Abstand nehmen von+Dat.to distance oneself from something
• Abstand gewinnen von+Dat.to gain perspective/distance from something
• auf Abstand gehen (auch fig.)to move away/create distance
• den Abstand verringernto reduce the gap/distance

All collocations with Abstand

Other collocations built on halten

• sich an eine Abmachung haltento stick to/keep an agreement
• eine Ansprache haltento give a speech/address
• Ausschau halten nach+Dat.to look out for
• den Ball flach haltento keep a low profile
• sich an die Etikette haltento adhere to etiquette
• in Gang haltento keep something running or maintain momentum
• ein Gelübde haltento remain faithful to a solemn promise
• etw. in Grenzen haltento control or restrict something so it doesn't become excessive