verb

bewahren

maintain · preserve · keep

Etwas so halten, dass es nicht verloren geht oder kaputt wird.

Definition & meaning

bewahren is a verb meaning to keep, preserve, protect, or save something. It often suggests preventing something from being lost, damaged, or changed.

To preserve or retain: eine Erinnerung bewahren — to preserve a memory.
To protect or spare someone from something: jemanden vor Gefahr bewahren — to keep someone from danger.
To keep or maintain a quality or state: Ruhe bewahren — to remain calm.
To store or keep something safe: etwas an einem sicheren Ort bewahren — to keep something in a safe place.

Grammar & Word origin

bewahren is a regular, weak verb. Its principal forms are bewahren , bewahrte , and hat bewahrt . It is usually used with a direct object, and it can also appear reflexively, as in sich etwas bewahren , “to retain something.”

It is formed from the prefix be- and wahren , which means to protect, preserve, or uphold. The prefix be- is inseparable, so it does not move to the end of the clause.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary according to the intended meaning:

erhalten — “to preserve” or “maintain”; emphasizes keeping something in its existing condition.
aufbewahren — “to keep” or “store”; usually refers to putting an object somewhere for later.
schützen — “to protect”; focuses on shielding someone or something from harm.
retten — “to rescue” or “save”; suggests preventing immediate loss or danger.
konservieren — “to preserve”; often used for food, materials, or cultural objects.

Possible antonyms also depend on context:

verlieren — “to lose”; the opposite when something is no longer retained.
zerstören — “to destroy”; the opposite when something is damaged beyond preservation.
preisgeben — “to reveal” or “give up”; an opposite when the meaning is to keep something secret or protected.