to be settled / to stand firm
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to be settled
To be finally decided, certain, or definite and no longer subject to change.
Es steht fest, dass die Veranstaltung wegen des schlechten Wetters abgesagt wird.
It is settled that the event will be canceled because of the bad weather.
'Feststehen' (to be settled / to stand firm) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the verb stem is in position 2 and the prefix 'fest' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the word stays together.
Der Gewinner steht bereits fest.
The winner has already been settled.
The verb combines 'fest' (stable, secure) and 'stehen' (to stand). The literal meaning is to stand stably. The figurative meaning is that a piece of information or decision is 'stable' and therefore certain.
Die Leiter muss feststehen, bevor du hinaufsteigst.
The ladder must stand firm before you climb up.
The two meanings are easy to recognize from the subject. If the verb refers to an abstract thing (a date, a plan, a fact), the figurative meaning 'to be certain' is intended. If it refers to a physical object (a cabinet, a ladder), the literal meaning 'to stand firm' is intended.
Der Termin für die Prüfung steht fest.
The date for the exam has been set.
In the meaning 'to be certain', 'feststehen' (to be settled) is very often used in the impersonal form 'Es steht fest, dass ...' (It is certain that ...). The subordinate clause with 'dass' then explains exactly what is certain.
Schon jetzt steht fest, dass das Projekt ein großer Erfolg wird.
It is already certain that the project will be a great success.
to stand
'stehen' and 'feststehen' can both have to do with a fixed state. 'stehen' is the general word: a person stands on their feet, an object stands in a place, or something is in a particular situation. 'feststehen' is more specific. It means either that something is standing securely and stably, or that a decision is final. Learners may confuse the words because 'feststehen' looks like a stronger form of 'stehen'. The important point is: with plans, dates, or decisions, 'feststehen' means that nothing is still open.
Seit dem Telefonat steht der Termin für die Reise fest.
Since the phone call, the date for the trip has been settled.
Der alte Schrank steht seit Jahren im Flur.
The old cabinet has been standing in the hallway for years.