hoffen
to hope
To have the wish or confident expectation that something positive will happen. Often used with 'auf' (for) or a 'dass' (that) clause.
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, dass du deine Prüfung bestanden hast.
I hope that you passed your exam.
hoffen
to hope
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Meanings
hoffen
to hope
In general, to have a confident and positive attitude toward the future.
EXAMPLE
Auch wenn die Situation schwierig ist, müssen wir weiter hoffen.
Even if the situation is difficult, we have to keep hoping.
es bleibt zu hoffen
it remains to be hoped
A fixed expression that expresses that one wishes for a positive outcome, even though the result is uncertain.
EXAMPLE
Es bleibt zu hoffen, dass sich die Lage bald wieder beruhigt.
It remains to be hoped that the situation will soon calm down again.
Usage tips
Sentence structure with 'hoffen'
The verb 'hoffen' (to hope) is usually constructed in two ways: with the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative when you hope for a thing, or with a 'dass' (that) clause when you hope for an action or event.
EXAMPLE
Wir hoffen auf besseres Wetter für das Wochenende.
We are hoping for better weather for the weekend.
Word family
The verb 'hoffen' (to hope) belongs to the word family around 'die Hoffnung' (hope). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Solange es Leben gibt, gibt es auch Hoffnung.
As long as there is life, there is also hope.
Typical collocations
When you hope for something, typical nouns that follow are: 'eine Besserung' (an improvement), 'ein Wunder' (a miracle), 'gute Nachrichten' (good news), or 'Unterstützung' (support).
EXAMPLE
Die Ärzte hoffen auf eine schnelle Besserung seines Zustands.
The doctors are hoping for a quick improvement in his condition.
Use without an object
In the general meaning 'to be confident', 'hoffen' (to hope) can also stand without an object or subordinate clause. It then describes a generally positive attitude.
EXAMPLE
Die Lage ist ernst, aber wir hoffen weiter.
The situation is serious, but we keep hoping.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'es bleibt zu hoffen' (it remains to be hoped) is a fixed expression with an impersonal 'es' (it). It expresses a wish in an uncertain situation and is often followed by a 'dass' (that) clause.
EXAMPLE
Es bleibt zu hoffen, dass die Verhandlungen erfolgreich sein werden.
It remains to be hoped that the negotiations will be successful.
Compare with
hoffen vs erwarten
to expect
Hoffen and erwarten can refer to the same future event. Hoffen expresses a desire for a positive outcome. Erwarten, on the other hand, means that you anticipate the event based on the circumstances, regardless of your own wishes.
hoffen
Trotz des unsicheren Gesprächs hoffe ich, dass ich die Stelle bekomme.
Despite the uncertain interview, I hope I get the job.
erwarten
Nach der klaren Zusage erwarte ich, dass ich die Stelle bekomme.
After the clear confirmation, I expect to get the job.
In real life
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