German Phrase
Halt den Bereich sauber.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct instruction meaning ‘Keep the area clean.’ It tells someone to maintain cleanliness in a specific place, often used in workplaces or public spaces.
When to use
Use this phrase on signs, in brief spoken instructions, or when you want to give a quick, informal command to a colleague, cleaning staff, or anyone responsible for a space.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HaltdenBereichsauber
Halt (imperative)
‘Halt’ is the du‑form imperative of the verb ‘halten’ meaning ‘to keep/maintain’. It is a short, direct command.
den (accusative masculine)
‘den’ is the masculine accusative definite article. It shows that ‘Bereich’ is the direct object of the verb.
Bereich (noun, masculine)
‘Bereich’ means ‘area, zone, section’. In the accusative case it becomes ‘den Bereich’.
sauber (predicative adjective)
‘sauber’ is used predicatively after ‘halten’ to describe the state that should be kept. No ending is added because it follows a verb, not a noun.
🗨In Conversation
Halt den Bereich sauber, bitte.
Please keep the area clean.
Klar, ich räume sofort auf.
Sure, I’ll tidy up right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Halt der Bereich sauber.
‘der’ is nominative; the verb ‘halten’ requires the accusative object, so it must be ‘den Bereich’.
Halten den Bereich sauber.
‘Halten’ is the infinitive; the correct command form is the imperative ‘Halt’.
Halt den Bereich sauberer.
When used predicatively after ‘halten’, the adjective stays uninflected: ‘sauber’, not ‘sauberer’.
↔Alternatives
Bitte halte den Bereich sauber.
Please keep the area clean.
Sorge dafür, dass der Bereich sauber bleibt.
Make sure the area stays clean.
Halte den Platz sauber.
Keep the spot clean.
Cultural Tip
In German workplaces, signs often use the short imperative without ‘bitte’ for a clear, authoritative tone. Adding ‘Bitte’ softens the command and is common in offices or schools. The phrase works the same across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, though you might see regional variations like ‘Halt den Bereich sauber!’ on construction sites.