bestehen
to pass
To successfully complete an exam, test, or challenge.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat die Fahrprüfung beim ersten Versuch bestanden.
She passed the driving test on her first attempt.
bestehen
to pass / consist / exist
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Meanings
bestehen aus
to consist of
To be made up of certain parts or elements.
EXAMPLE
Das Team besteht aus fünf Experten verschiedener Fachrichtungen.
The team consists of five experts from different fields.
bestehen
to exist
To exist, be present, or continue to exist.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Problem besteht schon seit langer Zeit.
This problem has existed for a long time.
bestehen auf
to insist on
To insist on something or demand something emphatically.
EXAMPLE
Der Kunde bestand auf einer sofortigen Rückerstattung.
The customer insisted on an immediate refund.
bestehen in
to consist in
To be the essential part or main point of something.
EXAMPLE
Die eigentliche Aufgabe besteht darin, eine nachhaltige Lösung zu finden.
The real task consists in finding a sustainable solution.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bestehen' (to pass / consist / exist) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' remains firmly attached to the stem 'stehen' (to stand) in all sentence forms and tenses and is never placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er besteht die Prüfung sicher.
He is sure to pass the exam.
Context clue: prepositions
The meaning of 'bestehen' changes completely depending on the preposition. Pay close attention to whether the verb is used on its own or with 'aus' (of/from), 'auf' (on), or 'in' (in) in order to understand the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ein Fahrrad besteht aus vielen Teilen.
A bicycle consists of many parts.
Use with accusative
In the meaning 'erfolgreich absolvieren' (to successfully complete), 'bestehen' (to pass) always needs a direct object in the accusative. You always pass something.
EXAMPLE
Alle Teilnehmer haben den Kurs bestanden.
All participants passed the course.
Fixed preposition 'aus'
When something is made up of parts, the fixed preposition 'aus' (of/from) is used with the dative. The structure is: Etwas besteht aus etwas (Something consists of something).
EXAMPLE
Das Dessert besteht hauptsächlich aus Früchten und Joghurt.
The dessert consists mainly of fruit and yogurt.
Use without an object
In the meaning 'existieren' (to exist), 'bestehen' (to exist) is used without an object and without a preposition. It simply describes the existence of a situation or problem.
EXAMPLE
Es besteht kein Zweifel an seiner Ehrlichkeit.
There is no doubt about his honesty.
Fixed preposition 'auf'
When you insist on something, the fixed preposition 'auf' (on) is used with the accusative. The structure is: Jemand besteht auf etwas (Someone insists on something).
EXAMPLE
Sie bestand auf ihrem Recht, den Vertrag zu sehen.
She insisted on her right to see the contract.
Fixed preposition 'in'
To describe the essence of something, you use the fixed preposition 'in' with the dative. The construction 'besteht darin, ... zu ...' (consists in ... -ing / consists of ... -ing) is very common.
EXAMPLE
Der Sinn des Lebens besteht für ihn in der Familie.
For him, the meaning of life consists in family.
Compare with
schaffenfordernumfassenexistierenvorliegenabsolvierenbewältigenüberstehenmeisterndringenstandhaltenpochenbeharren
bestehen vs schaffen
to manage / create
In the context of an exam, both bestehen and schaffen can express success. Bestehen refers more to the formal positive result, while schaffen sounds more colloquial and emphasizes more strongly that the person managed to overcome the difficult task.
bestehen
Sie hat die Abschlussprüfung mit guten Noten bestanden.
She passed her final exam with good grades.
schaffen
Trotz großer Schwierigkeiten hat sie die Abschlussprüfung geschafft.
Despite the great difficulties, she managed to pass her final exam.
In real life
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