innehalten

Innehalten is a German verb meaning to pause, to stop briefly, or to hold back momentarily before proceeding. It denotes a temporary interruption of action rather than a long-term halt and can convey a reflective, cautious, or deliberate pause. The corresponding noun is das Innehalten, referring to the act or moment of pausing.

The term is formed from in- and halten (to hold, to keep). In older and formal German, innehalten emphasizes a pause that is internal to the process rather than a complete cessation, and it often carries a sense of deliberation or restraint.

Usage varies across contexts. In everyday language, innehalten describes pausing in movement, speech, or thought. Examples include: Der Redner hielt inne, um seine Gedanken zu ordnen. Er hielt kurz inne, bevor er fortfuhr. In music or literature, Innehalten can be used to create a dramatic or contemplative effect. In journalism or political rhetoric, a moment of innehalten may signal reflection or emphasis.

Nuance-wise, innehalten usually implies a self-imposed or intentional interruption rather than an accidental stop. It contrasts with anhalten, which can denote a stronger, more external or longer-lasting halt, and with aufhorchen, which refers to reacting to something rather than pausing action.

See also: Pause; Anhalten; In der Musik: eine Atempause. The term has cognates in related Germanic languages, such as Dutch innehouden.