Festhaltung

Festhaltung is a German term that denotes the act of holding, retaining, or detaining something or someone. Derived from fest (firm, fixed) and halten (to hold), the word is used in everyday language as well as in specialized contexts. In general use it can mean keeping an object in a fixed position, maintaining possession, or exercising control over a thing or person.

In legal contexts, Festhaltung refers to the temporary retention of a person or object within a framework of law. It is distinct from formal arrest (Festnahme) or imprisonment (Haft). Police or authorities may exercise Festhaltung to secure evidence, identify a suspect, or prevent loss or destruction of relevant items for a limited period, in accordance with applicable rules and safeguards. The exact scope and duration of Festhaltung vary by jurisdiction and legal tradition, and it is typically subject to judicial review or oversight.

Beyond criminal procedure, Festhaltung also appears in civil and administrative settings. It can describe the practical retention of possession of an item, such as keeping a movable good under a retention arrangement until obligations are fulfilled, or securing a resource to prevent unauthorized transfer. In engineering, logistics, and manufacturing, Festhaltung commonly refers to the act of immobilizing or securing components, parts, or cargo to prevent movement during handling, transport, or processing.

Overall, Festhaltung is a flexible term used to describe the act of holding, retaining, or detaining in both legal and non-legal contexts. The precise meaning depends on the context and the applicable legal or procedural framework.

See also: Festnahme, Haft, Gewahrsam, Besitz.