German Phrase
Hält die Kiste?
Meaning
The sentence asks whether a particular box is capable of holding something – essentially ‘Does the box hold (it)?’ It is used to check the capacity or suitability of a container for a given load.
When to use
Use this question when you are packing, moving, or shopping and need to know if a box can accommodate the items you have. It’s common in everyday conversations about storage, transport, or DIY projects.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HältdieKiste?
Verb‑First in Yes/No Questions
In German yes/no questions the finite verb moves to the first position, followed by the subject.
3rd Person Singular Present
‘Hält’ is the 3rd person singular present form of ‘halten’ (to hold, to keep).
Nominative Case for Subject
‘die Kiste’ is the subject of the sentence and therefore stands in the nominative case.
Definite Article with Feminine Noun
‘Kiste’ is a feminine noun, so the definite article in the nominative is ‘die’.
🗨In Conversation
Hält die Kiste?
Does the box hold?
Ja, sie hält bis zu zehn Kilo.
Yes, it holds up to ten kilograms.
✕Common Mistakes
Halten die Kiste?
Verb must be in 3rd person singular ‘hält’, not the infinitive ‘halten’.
Hält der Kiste?
‘Kiste’ is feminine; the nominative article is ‘die’, not ‘der’.
Hältst die Kiste?
‘hältst’ is 2nd person singular; the subject is ‘die Kiste’, so you need 3rd person singular ‘hält’.
↔Alternatives
Passt die Kiste?
Does the box fit?
Reicht die Kiste?
Is the box enough?
Kann die Kiste das tragen?
Can the box carry that?
Cultural Tip
‘Kiste’ is a colloquial word for a box or crate; in more formal contexts you might hear ‘Karton’ or ‘Behälter’. Germans tend to be direct when asking about capacity, so ‘Hält die Kiste?’ is perfectly natural. Remember that the verb ‘halten’ can also mean ‘to keep’ (e.g., ‘die Kiste hält die Bücher trocken’ – the box keeps the books dry).