Zusammenbleiben

Zusammenbleiben is a German verb that means to stay together or to remain united, whether in a romantic relationship, within a family, or as part of a group or community. It expresses the idea of not breaking apart over time, despite difficulties or changes in circumstances.

Etymology and form: The verb is built from the adverb zusammen (together) and the verb bleiben (to stay). The infinitive is zusammenbleiben, and the past participle is zusammengeblieben. In usage, the present perfect commonly appears as Wir sind zusammengeblieben, with sein as the auxiliary, reflecting a change of state or a completed action in the sense of “they have remained together.”

Usage and nuances: Zusammenbleiben emphasizes the state of remaining together rather than the effort to maintain unity. It is often used for relationships, families, friendships, and groups that endure through challenges. It can appear in more personal contexts (Wir bleiben zusammen) as well as in organizational or communal settings (Die Mannschaft bleibt trotz der Niederlage zusammen).

Relation to other terms: A related verb is zusammenhalten, which stresses actively holding a group together through actions or support. Zusammenbleiben, by contrast, centers on the continued existence of the unit itself. The noun form Zusammenhalt captures the broader sense of cohesion and solidarity.

Examples: "Trotz der Krise bleiben sie als Familie zusammen." "Wegen der gemeinsamen Ziele müssen wir zusammenbleiben." "Das Team bleibt trotz Rückschlägen zusammen." See also Zusammenhalt, zusammenhalten, Bleiben.