German Phrase
Schau mal, ob die Kiste das Gewicht hält.
Meaning
The speaker asks someone to check whether the box is strong enough to support a certain weight. It can be used literally when loading a container, or figuratively when testing the capacity of something.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want a quick, informal check of a container’s strength – for example before stacking heavy items, or when you’re unsure if a plan can handle the pressure.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Schaumal,obdieKistedasGewichthält.
Imperative + mal
"Schau mal" is the informal imperative of "schauen" softened by the modal particle "mal", making the request sound casual and friendly.
ob‑Clause
"ob" introduces an indirect yes/no question; the verb "hält" moves to the end of the clause, which is typical for subordinate clauses in German.
Verb "halten" with "Gewicht"
In the phrase "das Gewicht halten" the verb means "to bear/withstand a weight" rather than the literal "to hold".
Article and case
"die Kiste" is nominative (subject) and "das Gewicht" is accusative (direct object).
🗨In Conversation
Kann ich die Kiste mit den Büchern vollpacken?
Can I fill the box with the books?
Schau mal, ob die Kiste das Gewicht hält.
Take a look to see if the box can hold the weight.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau mal, ob die Kiste das Gewicht halten.
The verb must agree with the singular subject "die Kiste"; using "halten" (plural) is incorrect.
Schau mal, ob die Kiste das Gewicht halten kann.
In an "ob" clause the finite verb must be at the end; placing "kann" before the verb breaks the clause order.
Schau, ob die Kiste das Gewicht hält.
"mal" is optional but omitting it makes the request sound harsher; keep it for a casual tone.
↔Alternatives
Sieh nach, ob die Kiste das Gewicht tragen kann.
Check whether the box can carry the weight.
Prüfe, ob die Kiste das Gewicht aushält.
Check if the box can withstand the weight.
Guck mal, ob die Kiste das Gewicht hält.
Look whether the box can hold the weight.
Cultural Tip
In everyday German, adding "mal" to an imperative (e.g., "Schau mal", "Guck mal") makes the command sound less demanding and more friendly. "Ob" clauses are a common way to ask for a quick verification. In some regions people prefer "gucken" over "schauen", but the structure stays the same.