„Er hält um das Mädchen an."
He is proposing to the girl.
What does „Er hält um das Mädchen an." mean in German?
„Er hält um das Mädchen an." means "He is proposing to the girl.." Literally: "He holds around the girl.."
Literal Translation
"He holds around the girl."
English Equivalent
"He's asking for her hand in marriage."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'anhalten um' = to propose; separable verb
When is this idiom used?
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
Quick Quiz — Test Yourself
Test your knowledge of Er hält um das Mädchen an.
Related Idioms
„Da bändelt sich was an."
There is a love affair beginning.
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
