standhält

Standhält is not a standard lexical entry in contemporary German. The concept is expressed by the verb standhalten, meaning to withstand, endure, or resist external pressure or stress. In use, sprachlich it appears as the present tense form hält stand (er hält stand), or in a fixed construction with a dative object: etwas hält dem Druck stand. The verb can also be used intransitively: Die Brücke hält dem Sturm stand; Die Struktur hält viel Belastung stand. Beyond the literal sense, standhalten is extended to arguments, tests or evaluations: Eine Theorie kann standhalten, eine Prüfung standhalten.

Etymology and forms: standhalten is a compound verb formed from Stand and halten. The base noun Stand denotes a state or condition, while halten means to hold. The infinitive is standhalten, the past participle gehalten, and the third-person singular present is er hält stand. The noun form das Standhalten refers to the act or quality of withstanding, often in a formal or technical context. The sequence standhält as a single word is not standard in modern grammar; the correct form in present tense is hält stand, and standhalten remains the proper infinitive or nominalized Standhalten.

Usage and nuances: standhalten emphasizes resistance to external forces or pressure, rather than merely enduring something internally. It is commonly used in engineering (materials and structures), architecture, and safety contexts, as well as in metaphorical language about scrutiny or criticism. Related terms include aushalten and durchhalten, which carry slightly different nuances (enduring discomfort vs. persisting over time).

See also: withstand, endure, resist, aushalten, durchhalten.