befürchten
to fear
To assume or expect that something negative or unpleasant will happen.
EXAMPLE
Ich befürchte, dass der letzte Zug schon abgefahren ist.
I fear that the last train has already left.
befürchten
to fear
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence structure
'Befürchten' (to fear) is typically used in two ways: either with an accusative object or with a subordinate clause introduced by 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Die Experten befürchten eine Wirtschaftskrise.
The experts fear an economic crisis.
Word family
The verb 'befürchten' (to fear) is directly related to the noun 'die Furcht' (fear). It describes the action of being afraid of something or expecting something negative.
EXAMPLE
Seine größte Furcht ist, den Job zu verlieren, und er befürchtet, dass es bald so weit ist.
His greatest fear is losing his job, and he fears that it will happen soon.
Register and style
'Befürchten' (to fear) is often used in a slightly formal or polite context to express a negative assumption or bad news.
EXAMPLE
Ich befürchte, Ihr Antrag kann nicht genehmigt werden.
I fear your application cannot be approved.
Compare with
befürchten vs erwarten
to expect
Both verbs refer to something that may happen in the future. „Erwarten“ describes a generally matter-of-fact assessment, while „befürchten“ additionally expresses concern about a negative or unpleasant outcome. Use „erwarten“ for a neutral assessment and „befürchten“ when you are worried about something negative.
befürchten
Wegen der dunklen Wolken befürchten wir heute starken Regen.
Because of the dark clouds, we fear that there will be heavy rain today.
erwarten
Nach den dunklen Wolken erwarten wir heute starken Regen.
Because of the dark clouds, we expect heavy rain today.
In real life
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