01
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
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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
bestehen vs sein
to be
'sein' and 'bestehen' can both express that something exists or what something essentially is. 'sein' is the normal, very general verb for a state, identity, or quality. 'bestehen' is more precise and often more formal: something can consist of parts, exist for a long time, or consist in a particular thing. Learners may confuse the words because in some sentences you can use 'sein' to say something similar more simply. In everyday language, 'sein' is more natural for simple statements. 'bestehen' fits better when you are talking about structure, existence over a longer period of time, or the main point of something.
bestehen
Das Frühstück der Kinder besteht heute aus Brot, Obst und Milch.
The children's breakfast today consists of bread, fruit, and milk.
sein
Emil ist in der Pause bei seinen Kollegen.
Emil is with his colleagues during the break.
In real life
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