heraushalten

Heraushalten is a German verb (often used as a separable prefix verb) that means to keep something or someone out of a situation or to refrain from becoming involved. It can be used transitively with an object, as in keeping a person out of a matter, or reflexively with sich, meaning to stay out of something oneself. The sense often emphasizes avoiding involvement rather than physical removal.

In use, the separable prefix heraus is placed at the end of the clause in simple tenses. For example: Ich halte mich aus der Debatte heraus. (I am staying out of the debate.) In perfect tense, the form is reflexive: Ich habe mich aus der Debatte herausgehalten. The imperative form is Haltet euch aus dem Streit heraus! (Keep out of the quarrel.)

Common constructions include:

- sich aus etwas heraushalten: to stay out of something oneself

- jemanden aus etwas heraushalten: to keep someone out of something

These phrases are widely used in everyday speech as well as formal contexts, such as media, politics, or business, to indicate neutrality or non-involvement.

Examples:

- Die Regierung hält sich aus dem internen Streit heraus. (The government is staying out of the internal dispute.)

- Wir halten uns aus der Diskussion heraus und hören zu. (We are staying out of the discussion and listening.)

Etymology: hinaus means out or forth, and halten signals keeping or holding; combined, heraushalten conveys the idea of holding out of a situation. The expression is neutral and versatile, suitable for describing both deliberate avoidance and a general stance of neutrality.