zusammenhält

Zusammenhält is the third-person singular present tense form of the German verb zusammenhalten, meaning to hold together or to keep something or a group united. In German, zusammenhalten is a separable-prefix verb; in finite clauses the prefix is typically separated and placed at the end, as in er hält zusammen. The related noun Zusammenhalt denotes cohesion or solidarity within a group.

Etymology and meaning: The word combines zusammen- (together) with halten (to hold). It is used both in literal senses, such as physically binding components, and in figurative senses, such as social or organizational cohesion.

Usage and examples: In everyday language, zusammenhält describes how parts stay joined or how a group remains unified. Examples include: Der Kleber hält die Teile zusammen. (The glue holds the parts together.) In social contexts: In Krisenzeiten hält die Gemeinschaft zusammen. (In times of crisis, the community holds together.)

Orthography and grammar: Because zusammenhalten is a separable-prefix verb, the present-tense form is written with the prefix separated: er hält zusammen. The single-word form zusammenhält is not the standard present-tense spelling in normal writing, though zusammenhalten exists as the infinitive or base form.

Related terms: The noun forms Zusammenhalt or das Zusammenhalten refer to cohesion or the act of maintaining unity. Related expressions include zusammenstehen (to stand together) and andere terms describing solidarity and unity.