die Erwartung
expectation
An idea, hope, or assumption about what will happen in the future or how something should be.
EXAMPLE
Meine Erwartungen an den Film wurden leider nicht erfüllt.
Unfortunately, my expectations for the film were not met.
die Erwartung
expectation
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Meanings
die Erwartung
expectation
The state of waiting for someone or something. It often expresses a certain tension or joyful anticipation.
EXAMPLE
In freudiger Erwartung seiner Ankunft schmückten sie das ganze Haus.
In joyful expectation of his arrival, they decorated the whole house.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Erwartung' (expectation) is derived directly from the verb 'erwarten' (to expect). 'Erwarten' itself means 'to wait for something' and contains the word stem 'warten' (to wait). This connection helps you understand the meaning of waiting for a future event.
EXAMPLE
Wir erwarten heute Abend Gäste.
We are expecting guests this evening.
Correct preposition
When you want to express what an expectation relates to, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative. This construction is very common.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer hat hohe Erwartungen an seine Mannschaft.
The coach has high expectations of his team.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Erwartung' (expectation) are 'Erwartungen haben' (to have expectations), 'Erwartungen erfüllen' (to meet expectations), 'Erwartungen enttäuschen' (to disappoint expectations), or 'Erwartungen übertreffen' (to exceed expectations).
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert hat meine Erwartungen bei Weitem übertroffen.
The concert far exceeded my expectations.
Fixed expressions
To describe the state of waiting, 'Erwartung' (expectation) is often used in fixed expressions like 'in freudiger Erwartung sein' (to be in joyful expectation) or 'voller Erwartung sein' (to be full of expectation).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder waren vor Weihnachten voller Erwartung.
The children were full of expectation before Christmas.
Compare with
Erwartung vs Hoffnung
hope
Hoffnung and Erwartung can both refer to a possible future outcome. Hoffnung emphasizes that the outcome is desired. Erwartung places more emphasis on the assumption that it will actually happen and does not necessarily express a wish.
Erwartung
Nach der festen Ankündigung hat Lea die Erwartung, morgen eine Zusage zu erhalten.
After the firm announcement, Lea expects to receive confirmation tomorrow.
Hoffnung
Nach dem guten Gespräch hat Lea die Hoffnung auf eine Zusage.
After the good conversation, Lea hopes to receive confirmation.
In real life
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