erwartet
expected
As one had assumed, foreseen, or imagined; in line with expectations.
EXAMPLE
Der erwartete Anstieg der Verkaufszahlen ist leider ausgeblieben.
The expected increase in sales figures unfortunately did not materialize.
erwartet
expected
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Meanings
wie erwartet
as expected
A fixed expression indicating that an event or result confirms a previous assumption or forecast.
EXAMPLE
Wie erwartet, hat unsere Mannschaft das Spiel gewonnen.
As expected, our team won the game.
wider Erwarten
contrary to expectations
A fixed expression meaning that something happens contrary to the general assumption or prediction; unexpectedly.
EXAMPLE
Wider Erwarten war der Film richtig spannend.
Contrary to expectations, the film was really exciting.
Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Erwartet' (expected) is the past participle of the verb 'erwarten' (to expect). It is used as an adjective to describe something that one had foreseen or assumed.
EXAMPLE
Das erwartete Ergebnis trat nicht ein.
The expected result did not occur.
Word order
The expression 'wie erwartet' (as expected) often appears at the beginning of a sentence and is set off with a comma. It does not change the word order of the following main clause (subject in position 1, verb in position 2).
EXAMPLE
Wie erwartet, war der Zug verspätet.
As expected, the train was delayed.
Word order with inversion
When the expression 'wider Erwarten' (contrary to expectations) stands at the beginning of a sentence (position 1), the verb follows directly in position 2. This is called inversion.
EXAMPLE
Wider Erwarten schien am Nachmittag die Sonne.
Contrary to expectations, the sun shone in the afternoon.
Compare with
erwartet vs voraussichtlich
expected / likely
Both words can refer to an expected result. “Voraussichtlich” assesses how likely something is to happen in the future based on current information, while “erwartet” in “wie erwartet” says that a previous assumption has been confirmed. Use “voraussichtlich” for a forecast and “wie erwartet” for the result that has occurred.
erwartet
Der Zug kam wie erwartet um acht Uhr am Bahnhof an.
The train arrived at the station at eight o’clock, as expected.
voraussichtlich
Der Zug kommt voraussichtlich um acht Uhr am Bahnhof an.
The train is expected to arrive at the station at eight o’clock.
In real life
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