die
Halterung
⚙️ What exactly is a Halterung?
A Halterung is a device or component used to fix, support, or securely fasten an object in a specific position. It ensures that something stays in its intended place and doesn't slip or fall. Common English translations include holder, mount, or bracket. The word in German is always feminine.
- Examples: Eine Wandhalterung für den Fernseher (a wall mount for the TV), eine Handyhalterung im Auto (a phone holder in the car), eine Fahrradhalterung an der Wand (a bike rack/mount on the wall).
There are no exceptions regarding the article: It's always die Halterung.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📊 Grammar: Die Halterung in Detail
The noun „Halterung“ is feminine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Halterung |
| Genitive | der | Halterung |
| Dative | der | Halterung |
| Accusative | die | Halterung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Halterungen |
| Genitive | der | Halterungen |
| Dative | den | Halterungen |
| Accusative | die | Halterungen |
Example Sentences
- Die Halterung für den Monitor ist sehr stabil.
(The mount for the monitor is very stable.) - Ich suche nach einer passenden Halterung für mein Tablet.
(I'm looking for a suitable holder for my tablet.) - Mit dieser Halterung kannst du das Regal sicher befestigen.
(With this bracket, you can securely fasten the shelf.) - Die alten Halterungen müssen ersetzt werden.
(The old brackets/mounts need to be replaced.)
💡 Everyday Usage of Halterung
The term „Halterung“ is very common in technical fields, households, and crafts/trades. Whenever something needs to be fastened or held in place, a specific type of Halterung is used.
- Technology: Handyhalterung (phone holder), Monitorhalterung (monitor mount), Kamerahalterung (camera mount), GPS-Halterung (GPS mount).
- Household: Wandhalterung (wall mount - for TVs, shelves, pictures), Duschkopfhalterung (shower head holder), Fahrradhalterung (bike rack/mount), Getränkehalterung (cup holder).
- Crafts/Industry: Werkzeughalterung (tool holder), Rohrhaltung (pipe clamp/holder), Maschinenhalterung (machine mount).
Distinction: While a Stütze (support, prop) often primarily serves to bear weight from below (e.g., a pillar), a Halterung typically fixes an object more comprehensively or attaches it to a vertical surface. Befestigung (fastening, fixture) is a more general term that can also include screws, nails, etc., whereas Halterung usually refers to the specific component.
🧠 Mnemonics for Halterung
Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine in German. Think of: die Zeitung (newspaper), die Meinung (opinion), die Lösung (solution) – and therefore also die Haltung -> die Halterung.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word comes from the verb halten (to hold). So, a Halterung is something that holds an object.
🔄 Synonyms and Distinctions
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Befestigung: (Fastening, fixture) - More general term for something that fixes.
- Aufnahme: (Receptacle, mount) - Often technical, for something that receives another part (e.g., tool holder).
- Fassung: (Socket, holder) - Device that encloses something (e.g., light bulb socket).
- Stütze: (Support, brace) - More focused on bearing weight from below.
- Klammer: (Clamp, bracket) - Pinches something tight.
- Bracket: English loanword common in technical/mounting contexts.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
Direct antonyms are rare. Conceptually related opposites might include:
- Loslösung / Lockerung: (Detachment / Loosening) - The act of removing or loosening.
- Freigabe: (Release) - When something is no longer held.
⚠️ Similar Words (Avoid Confusion):
- Haltung: Means posture or attitude/stance. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Warum fiel das Bild von der Wand?
Die Halterung hatte einfach keinen Halt mehr!
English Translation: Why did the picture fall off the wall?
The bracket simply had no hold (support/grip) anymore! (Halt haben means to have support/grip).
📜 Poem about the Halterung
German:
Aus Metall, robust und schlicht,
erfüllt die Halterung ihre Pflicht.
Sie hält das Handy, fest und klar,
macht jede Autofahrt wunderbar.
An Wand und Decke, groß und klein,
ohne sie fällt vieles ein.
Ein kleines Ding, doch sehr probat,
für Ordnung sorgt's und guten Rat.
English Translation:
Made of metal, robust and plain,
the holder does its duty again.
It holds the phone, steady and clear,
makes every car ride full of cheer.
On wall and ceiling, big and small,
without it, many things would fall.
A little thing, yet tried and true,
brings order and good advice for you.
❓ Riddle
German:
Ich halte fest, was halten soll,
ob schwer, ob leicht, ich finde es toll.
An Wänden oft, im Auto auch,
erfülle ich den Zweck und Brauch.
Man schraubt mich an, damit nichts fällt,
wie heiß ich in der deutschen Welt?
English Translation:
I hold tight what's meant to be held,
whether heavy or light, I'm compelled.
Often on walls, in the car too,
I fulfill the purpose and custom for you.
You screw me on so nothing descends,
what am I called in German, my friends?
Answer: die Halterung (the holder/bracket/mount)
🧩 Word Details and Trivia
Word Formation: The noun „Halterung“ is derived from the verb halten (to hold) using the suffix -ung. This suffix is frequently used in German to form feminine nouns from verbs, often describing a process, state, or result (in this case: the result of holding, i.e., the device).
Specific Holders/Mounts: The variety of Halterungen is vast, reflecting countless applications. Some examples:
- Wandhalterung (wall mount)
- Deckenhalterung (ceiling mount)
- Handyhalterung (phone holder)
- Getränkehalterung (cup holder)
- Fahrradhalterung (bike rack/mount)
- Monitorhalterung (monitor mount)
- Werkzeughalterung (tool holder)
- Kennzeichenhalterung (license plate holder)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Halterung?
The word "Halterung" is always feminine. The correct article is die: die Halterung.
