fernzuhalten

Fernhalten is a German verb meaning to keep something away from another thing or to refrain from doing something. The basic form fernhalten appears in finite clauses, as in Ich halte das Tier vom Garten fern. The related non-finite form fernzuhalten can occur in certain grammatical contexts, especially in formal or technical language, and the noun form das Fernhalten denotes the act or policy of keeping something away. The past participle is ferngehalten.

Usage and context: Fernhalten is commonly used in safety, health, and preventive contexts. It describes concrete actions, such as keeping people, objects, or substances away from danger, contamination, or restricted areas. For example, Ich halte schädliche Substanzen vom Kind fern, and Das Fernhalten von Gefahrenquellen ist ein zentrales Ziel des Arbeitsschutzes. In formal writing, fernzuhalten appears in non-finite constructions, often within noun phrases like das Fernhalten von Risiken oder das Fernhalten bestimmter Substanzen.

Grammatical notes: Fernhalten is a separable verb, so in main clauses its prefix is separated, as in er hält Abstand und hält Fernes fern. The infinitive form fernzuhalten is used in non-finite clauses and some technical expressions to refer to the act itself, for instance in phrases such as das Fernhalten von Gefahrenquellen oder Es ist wichtig, fernzuhalten, dass Risiken entstehen. The term is closely related to concepts of prevention, distance, and precaution.

Etymology and related terms: The word combines fern (far) and halten (to hold or keep). Related concepts include Abstand halten (maintain distance), Vorsorge, Prävention, and Sicherheitsmaßnahmen.