to expect of / impose on
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to expect of someone
To expect or demand something from someone that is difficult, unpleasant, or a major effort for that person. It is often used to express that the expectation is unreasonable.
Man kann einem Anfänger nicht zumuten, diese schwere Aufgabe allein zu lösen.
You can't expect a beginner to solve this difficult task alone.
This verb always requires a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative. The structure is: subject + zumuten + dative object (to whom?) + accusative object (what?).
Ich kann dir diese lange Reise wirklich nicht zumuten.
I really can't expect you to take this long trip.
'Zumuten' is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
Er mutet seinen Mitarbeitern sehr viel Arbeit zu.
He imposes a great deal of work on his employees.
The verb is very often used in negative sentences or in questions to express that a demand is unreasonable or excessive. Positive use is rare.
Das kann man einem Kind unmöglich zumuten!
You absolutely cannot expect that of a child!
When you challenge yourself, you use the reflexive form 'sich etwas zumuten' (to impose something on oneself / to take something on). The reflexive pronoun is in the dative.
Du solltest dir nach der Krankheit nicht zu viel zumuten.
You shouldn't take on too much after the illness.
to expect
'erwarten' and 'zumuten' can both mean that you demand or hope for something from someone. 'erwarten' is more neutral: you say what behavior, performance, or help you want from a person. 'zumuten', on the other hand, emphasizes that this demand is difficult, unpleasant, or perhaps too much. It is often used when you think someone is being overburdened. The words can be confused because both have to do with demands. The important point is: 'zumuten' almost always includes the idea of burden or strain.
Ich kann meiner Kollegin nicht zumuten, heute noch drei Stunden länger zu bleiben.
I can't expect my colleague to stay three hours longer today.
Im neuen Job erwartet die Chefin, dass alle pünktlich zu den Besprechungen kommen.
In the new job, the boss expects everyone to come to the meetings on time.