01
erwarten
to expect
To assume or anticipate that something will happen in the future.
example
Ich erwarte, dass die Lieferung morgen ankommt.
I expect the delivery to arrive tomorrow.
erwarten
to expect
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable. It remains firmly attached to the stem 'warten' in all tenses and sentence constructions.
EXAMPLE
Was erwartest du von diesem Treffen?
What do you expect from this meeting?
Context clues
The context shows the exact meaning: If 'erwarten' is used with a person, it is often about that person's arrival. If the preposition 'von' follows, it is about a demand or expectation. If it is used with 'ein Kind' (a child), it means 'schwanger sein' (to be pregnant).
EXAMPLE
Wir erwarten wichtigen Besuch.
We are expecting an important visitor.
Sentence structure with 'dass'
When you assume that something will happen, 'erwarten' is very often used with a subordinate clause introduced by 'dass' (that). The verb of the subordinate clause then comes at the end.
EXAMPLE
Ich erwarte, dass du deine Hausaufgaben bis morgen erledigst.
I expect you to finish your homework by tomorrow.
Fixed preposition
When you demand or hope for a performance or behavior from someone, the preposition 'von' with the dative is always used. The structure is: etwas von jemandem erwarten (to expect something from someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Chef erwartet von seinen Mitarbeitern vollen Einsatz.
The boss expects full commitment from his employees.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'ein Kind erwarten' (to be expecting a child) is a fixed and very common expression for 'schwanger sein' (to be pregnant). It is often used as a polite and neutral paraphrase.
EXAMPLE
Das Paar erwartet im Sommer Nachwuchs.
The couple is expecting a baby in the summer.
Compare with
erwarten vs hoffen
to hope
'hoffen' and 'erwarten' can both point to something in the future. The difference lies in your attitude toward it. You use 'hoffen' when you wish for something positive but do not know for sure whether it will happen. 'erwarten' more often means that you expect or assume that something will happen. This can be positive, neutral, or even negative. Learners often confuse the words because both have to do with the future. As a guide: for a wish, you are more likely to say 'hoffen'; for an assumption, 'erwarten' is more likely.
erwarten
Am Abend erwartet der Mitarbeiter eine Antwort von seinem Chef.
In the evening, the employee expects an answer from his boss.
hoffen
Die Ärztin hofft, dass die Behandlung schnell hilft.
The doctor hopes that the treatment helps quickly.
In real life
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