to speculate
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to speculate
To make assumptions about something without having certain information or proof.
Die Journalisten spekulieren über den Grund für den Rücktritt des Ministers.
The journalists are speculating about the reason for the minister's resignation.
to speculate
To invest money in risky ventures, such as stocks or real estate, in the hope of making a quick, large profit.
Er hat mit riskanten Aktien spekuliert und dabei viel Geld verloren.
He speculated in risky stocks and lost a lot of money doing it.
to bank on
To hope for a particular event or advantage and align one's actions accordingly.
Die Mannschaft spekuliert auf einen Fehler des Gegners in der Abwehr.
The team is banking on a defensive mistake by the opponent.
The preposition after 'spekulieren' (to speculate) changes the meaning. 'Spekulieren über' (+ accusative) means to speculate about or assume. 'Spekulieren mit' (+ dative) is used for financial transactions. 'Spekulieren auf' (+ accusative) means to hope for or bank on something.
Die Presse spekuliert über eine mögliche Krise.
The press is speculating about a possible crisis.
In the meaning 'to assume/speculate,' 'spekulieren' is often combined with 'darüber' and a subordinate clause. This subordinate clause is usually an indirect question that begins with 'ob' (whether), 'warum' (why), 'wie' (how), etc.
Man spekuliert darüber, ob der Chef die Firma verlassen wird.
People are speculating about whether the boss will leave the company.
When the context involves money, stocks, real estate, or the stock market, 'spekulieren' always has the meaning of risky financial transactions. Typical objects are 'Aktien' (stocks), 'Währungen' (currencies), or 'Rohstoffe' (raw materials/commodities).
In den 90er-Jahren spekulierten viele Leute mit Immobilien.
In the 1990s, many people speculated in real estate.
to expect
Both verbs refer to a possible future advantage. „Erwarten“ focuses mainly on assessing that the advantage will occur, while „auf etwas spekulieren“ expresses hope and an uncertain course of action directed toward that outcome. Use „erwarten“ when there are good signs, and „spekulieren auf“ when you are knowingly taking a risk.
Trotz unsicherer Zahlen spekuliert die Firma auf einen schnellen Gewinn.
Despite the uncertain figures, the company is banking on making a quick profit.
Nach den guten Verkaufszahlen erwartet die Firma einen Gewinn.
Based on the good sales figures, the company expects to make a profit.
