jemandem/etwas gegenüberstehen
to face
To be confronted with a situation, problem, or challenge.
EXAMPLE
Wir stehen einer großen finanziellen Herausforderung gegenüber.
We are facing a major financial challenge.
gegenüberstehen
to face / to stand opposite
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Meanings
gegenüberstehen
to stand opposite
To be physically positioned on the opposite side of someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Boxer standen sich vor dem Kampf schweigend gegenüber.
The two boxers stood opposite each other in silence before the fight.
jemandem/etwas gegenüberstehen
to feel about
To have a particular attitude or opinion toward someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Ich stehe dieser neuen Regelung sehr skeptisch gegenüber.
I feel very skeptical about this new regulation.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Gegenüberstehen' (to face / to stand opposite) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'gegenüber' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er steht dem Projekt kritisch gegenüber.
He is critical of the project.
Dative construction
This verb always requires an object in the dative case. You stand opposite or face 'jemandem' (someone) or 'etwas' (something), not 'jemanden' or 'etwas' in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Angeklagte stand dem Richter gegenüber.
The defendant stood opposite the judge.
Reflexive use
In the physical meaning, the verb is often used reflexively: 'sich gegenüberstehen' (to stand opposite each other). This emphasizes that two or more people or things are looking directly at each other or are positioned in front of each other.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Mannschaften standen sich vor dem Spiel auf dem Feld gegenüber.
The two teams stood opposite each other on the field before the game.
Context clue: problems
When the verb describes a confrontation, the dative object is usually an abstract challenge. Typical words are 'Problem' (problem), 'Aufgabe' (task), 'Herausforderung' (challenge), or 'Entscheidung' (decision).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen steht großen wirtschaftlichen Problemen gegenüber.
The company is facing major economic problems.
Context clue: opinion
To express an attitude, the verb is almost always combined with an adverb that describes the opinion. Typical adverbs are 'skeptisch' (skeptical), 'kritisch' (critical), 'positiv' (positive), or 'offen' (open).
EXAMPLE
Neuen Technologien stehe ich grundsätzlich offen gegenüber.
I am generally open to new technologies.
Compare with
gegenüberstehen vs entgegentreten
to oppose / approach
If you gegenüberstehen someone or something, you are initially facing a confrontation or have to deal with it. If you entgegentreten someone or something, you actively resist it. Gegenüberstehen therefore describes more of a situation, while entgegentreten describes a deliberate response to it.
gegenüberstehen
Im Finale steht sie einer starken Gegnerin gegenüber.
In the final, she faces a strong opponent.
entgegentreten
Als die Gegnerin unfair spielt, tritt sie ihr entschlossen entgegen.
When her opponent plays unfairly, she firmly stands up to her.
In real life
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