Houd

Houd is the imperative form of the Dutch verb houden, meaning to hold, keep, or maintain. It is used to issue a command or request and is widespread in everyday speech and writing. The base verb houden is irregular in the present tense; its forms include ik houd, jij houdt, hij houdt, wij houden, jullie houden, zij houden.

Imperative usage: In informal singular address, houd is used, as in Houd de deur dicht. For formal address or to a group, forms such as Houdt u rekening met de regels or Houdt jullie je aan de regels appear in more formal registers or regional speech. The imperative mood often relies on the stem without additional suffixes for the jij form, while other forms reflect politeness or plurality.

Etymology and cognates: Houd stammt from the Dutch verb houden. It is cognate with English hold and German halten, reflecting a shared Proto-Germanic heritage. The core meaning—to grasp, keep, or maintain—extends to many fixed phrases in Dutch.

Usage and idioms: The verb houd appears in numerous common expressions. Specially fixed phrases include rekening houden met (to take into account), zich aan de regels houden (to stick to the rules), and houd vol (keep going). Another widespread construction is houden van, meaning to like or love, which uses houden in a broader sense rather than a direct physical holding.

Examples: Ik houd het boek vast. (I am holding the book.) Houd de deur dicht. (Keep the door closed.) Houd rekening met het weer. (Take the weather into account.)

See also: houden (Dutch verb); hold (English); German halten.