German Phrase
Halte die Kommunikation fest.
Meaning
A directive to make sure that any spoken or written exchange is recorded or documented. It stresses the importance of keeping a clear, written record of what was said.
When to use
Use this phrase in business meetings, project updates, or after a phone call when you want a colleague to write down the key points. It’s common in corporate, legal, and academic settings where documentation is required.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HaltedieKommunikationfest
Imperative of separable verb
‘halten’ + ‘fest’ forms the separable verb ‘festhalten’. In the imperative, the prefix ‘fest’ moves to the end: ‘Halte … fest.’
Accusative case
‘die Kommunikation’ is the direct object, so the feminine noun ‘Kommunikation’ takes the accusative article ‘die’.
Verb‑object order
With separable verbs in the imperative, the object (here ‘die Kommunikation’) is placed between the verb stem and the prefix.
🗨In Conversation
Wir haben gerade die neuen Projektziele besprochen.
We just discussed the new project goals.
Gut, dann halte die Kommunikation fest, damit das Team alles nachlesen kann.
Great, then record the communication so the team can review everything.
✕Common Mistakes
Halte die Kommunikation.
Missing the separable prefix ‘fest’ changes the meaning; it no longer conveys the idea of documenting.
Halte der Kommunikation fest.
The object must be in the accusative case; ‘der’ is dative, which is incorrect here.
Halte fest die Kommunikation.
In the imperative, the prefix ‘fest’ must go to the very end, not between the verb and the object.
↔Alternatives
Dokumentiere die Kommunikation.
Document the communication.
Schreibe die Kommunikation auf.
Write the communication down.
Führe ein Protokoll über die Kommunikation.
Keep a log of the communication.
Cultural Tip
In German business culture, written documentation of meetings and decisions is seen as a sign of professionalism and legal safety. Using the imperative ‘Halte … fest.’ is appropriate in a collegial but still formal setting; avoid overly casual phrasing when speaking with senior management.