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.
to stand firm
To stand stably and securely on a surface; to have a firm hold.
Der schwere Schrank muss absolut feststehen und darf nicht wackeln.
The heavy cabinet must stand absolutely firm and must not wobble.
'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.
