freihalten

Definition & meaning

freihalten is a separable German verb meaning to keep free, clear, or available. Its meaning depends on context:

• To leave a space or route unobstructed: Keep a seat, doorway, or path clear.
• To reserve something: Set aside a place or time for someone.
• To keep oneself available: Avoid making other plans during a particular time.
• To spare someone something: Keep someone free from a task, burden, or responsibility.

Grammar & Word origin

freihalten combines frei (“free”) and halten (“to keep” or “to hold”). It is usually a transitive verb and is separable in main clauses: Ich halte den Platz frei (“I’ll keep the place free”).

It is a strong verb: hielt frei (simple past) and freigehalten (past participle). In subordinate clauses, the prefix stays attached to the verb: …, weil ich den Platz freihalte (“… because I’m keeping the place free”).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms vary with the sense:

• reservieren ↗ — “to reserve”; emphasizes setting something aside, especially a place or appointment.
• freimachen ↗ — “to clear” or “make free”; emphasizes removing an obstruction or freeing up space.
• offenhalten ↗ — “to keep open”; often used for keeping an option or possibility available.
• entlasten ↗ — “to relieve”; a possible alternative when freihalten means sparing someone a burden.

Possible antonyms include:

• besetzen ↗ — “to occupy”; the opposite of leaving a place free.
• blockieren ↗ — “to block”; the opposite of keeping a route clear.
• belegen ↗ — “to occupy” or “take up,” for example a seat or time slot.

Common phrases & collocations

• einen Platz freihalten ↗ — to save or keep a place free.
• den Weg freihalten ↗ — to keep the way clear.
• sich einen Termin freihalten ↗ — to keep oneself available for an appointment.
• jemanden von einer Aufgabe freihalten ↗ — to spare someone a task.