to foresee
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to foresee
To recognize, expect, or predict a future event or development in advance.
Niemand konnte die Konsequenzen dieser Entscheidung vollständig vorhersehen.
No one could fully foresee the consequences of this decision.
'Vorhersehen' (to foresee) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vorher-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Der Experte sah diese Entwicklung nicht vorher.
The expert did not foresee this development.
The verb consists of 'vorher' (beforehand) and 'sehen' (to see). Its literal meaning is therefore 'to see something before it happens,' which makes it easier to understand and remember.
Manche Leute glauben, sie können Katastrophen vorhersehen.
Some people believe they can foresee disasters.
'Vorhersehen' (to foresee) is often used with abstract nouns that describe a future development. Common objects are: die Folgen (the consequences), die Konsequenzen (the consequences), Probleme (problems), or eine Gefahr (a danger).
Die langfristigen Folgen der Klimakrise waren schon früh vorherzusehen.
The long-term consequences of the climate crisis could already be foreseen early on.
to expect
'erwarten' and 'vorhersehen' both have to do with the future. 'erwarten' means that you expect something to happen. This can be based on experience, planning, or a feeling. 'vorhersehen' more strongly means that you recognize or accurately predict a development in advance. It sounds more precise and often somewhat more objective. The words are easy to confuse because both say that you are thinking about a future event. 'erwarten' often fits in everyday language; 'vorhersehen' fits especially when someone correctly recognizes a development in advance.
Die Chefin konnte die Probleme vorhersehen, weil die Planung zu knapp war.
The boss could foresee the problems because the planning was too tight.
Der Mitarbeiter erwartet am Bahnhof viele Reisende am Montagmorgen.
The employee expects many travelers at the station on Monday morning.