sich verhalten

Definition & meaning

The German verb sich verhalten[?](vocabuo://word/sich verhalten) primarily carries two meanings depending on the context:

1. To behave or conduct oneself: This is the most common use, describing the manner in which a person or animal acts in a specific situation. For example, staying calm in a stressful moment or acting politely.
2. To be a certain way or to relate: This meaning is used to describe a state of affairs, a situation, or a proportion. It is often used in the phrase "Wie verhält es sich mit...?" which translates to "What is the situation regarding...?" or "How do things stand with...?". In mathematics or logic, it can also describe the ratio or relationship between two things.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a reflexive verb, meaning it is always used with a reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch). It consists of the prefix ver-↗ and the base verb halten↗, which means "to hold". Literally, it suggests "holding oneself" in a certain way.

It is a strong (irregular) verb. Its principal parts are:

• Present: er/sie/es verhält sich↗
• Preterite: verhielt sich↗
• Perfect: hat sich verhalten↗

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• sich benehmen[?](vocabuo://word/sich benehmen): To behave (specifically regarding social etiquette).
• agieren↗: To act or operate.
• reagieren↗: To react.
• stehen↗: Used in the context of how things "stand" or are situated.
• liegen↗: Often used to describe how a situation "lies" or is structured.

Antonyms

• ausrasten↗: To lose control or flip out (an antonym in the sense of failing to maintain a composed behavior).
• sich gehen lassen[?](vocabuo://word/sich gehen lassen): To let oneself go or stop caring about one's behavior/conduct.