das Bestehen
existence
The existence or continued existence of something over a certain period of time.
EXAMPLE
Das Bestehen des Vereins hängt von den Mitgliedsbeiträgen ab.
The club's continued existence depends on membership fees.
das Bestehen
existence / passing / insistence
das Bestehen
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Meanings
das Bestehen
passing
The successful completion of an exam or test.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Bestehen der Prüfung erhielt sie ihr Zertifikat.
After passing the exam, she received her certificate.
das Bestehen auf
insistence on
Insistence on a demand, a right, or a particular course of action.
EXAMPLE
Sein Bestehen auf einer schriftlichen Bestätigung verzögerte die Vereinbarung.
His insistence on written confirmation delayed the agreement.
Forms
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Bestehens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Bestehen | – |
| accusative | das Bestehen | – |
| dative | dem Bestehen | – |
| genitive | des Bestehens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
The complement often reveals the meaning of 'Bestehen' (existence / passing / insistence): with 'des Vereins' (of the club) or 'von etwas' (of something), it refers to continued existence; with 'der Prüfung' (of the exam), it refers to successful completion; and with 'auf + Dativ' (auf + dative), it refers to insisting on a demand.
EXAMPLE
Das Bestehen des Vereins ist durch neue Mitglieder gesichert.
The club's continued existence is assured by new members.
Das Bestehen der Prüfung war für ihre Bewerbung entscheidend.
Passing the exam was crucial to her application.
Sein Bestehen auf einer Erklärung überraschte alle.
His insistence on an explanation surprised everyone.
Typical collocations
In the sense of continued existence, 'Bestehen' (existence) is often used with institutions or social relationships. Typical collocations include 'das Bestehen eines Vereins' (the continued existence of a club), 'das Bestehen einer Firma' (the continued existence of a company), and 'das Bestehen einer Beziehung' (the continued existence of a relationship).
EXAMPLE
Das Bestehen der kleinen Firma hängt von diesem Auftrag ab.
The small company's continued existence depends on this order.
Exam context
In the exam sense, 'Bestehen' (passing) is often combined with 'Prüfung' (exam), 'Test' (test), or 'Examen' (exam). The time expression 'nach dem Bestehen' (after passing) refers to the time after successful completion.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Bestehen des Tests konnte er die Ausbildung beginnen.
After passing the test, he was able to begin his training.
Fixed preposition
In this sense, 'Bestehen' (insistence) is used with the fixed preposition 'auf' (on). It is followed by the dative case, indicating the person or thing someone insists on.
EXAMPLE
Ihr Bestehen auf einem schriftlichen Vertrag führte zu langen Gesprächen.
Her insistence on a written contract led to lengthy discussions.
In real life
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