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.
to impose on oneself
To take on a task or challenge oneself with something that is very demanding.
Mit dem Marathon hat er sich für sein Alter wirklich viel zugemutet.
With the marathon, he really imposed a lot on himself for his age.
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 burden / charge
Both words can be associated with a difficult task or piece of news. “Belasten” describes the burdensome effect on a person; “zumuten” shows that someone expects or demands this difficulty from another person. “Belasten” is suitable for the effect, while “zumuten” is more suitable for the expectation.
Der Chef mutet der neuen Mitarbeiterin zusätzliche Aufgaben zu.
The boss is expecting the new employee to take on additional tasks.
Die zusätzlichen Aufgaben belasten die neue Mitarbeiterin.
The additional tasks are burdening the new employee.
