to doubt
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to doubt
To be uncertain about the truth, correctness, or existence of someone or something; to have doubts. This construction with the preposition 'an' and the dative is the most common use.
Ich zweifle an der Richtigkeit dieser Information.
I doubt the correctness of this information.
The word 'zweifeln' (to doubt) is related to the number 'zwei' (two). It describes the state of being mentally torn between two possibilities or opinions and being unable to decide.
Wenn man zweifelt, ist man sich einer Sache nicht zu hundert Prozent sicher.
When you doubt something, you are not one hundred percent sure about it.
The most common construction for 'zweifeln' (to doubt) is with the preposition 'an' followed by the dative. You always doubt 'an' something or 'an' someone in German.
Der Chef zweifelt an den Fähigkeiten seines neuen Mitarbeiters.
The boss doubts the abilities of his new employee.
Instead of 'an + dative', you can also express doubts with a subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses introduced by 'ob' (whether) or a question word (how, what, why) are typical.
Ich zweifle, ob das die richtige Entscheidung war.
I doubt whether that was the right decision.
People often doubt abstract things such as a statement, honesty, competence, or love. A very common phrase is also 'an sich selbst zweifeln' (to doubt oneself).
Nach der Kritik begann der Künstler, an seinem eigenen Talent zu zweifeln.
After the criticism, the artist began to doubt his own talent.
to hope
'hoffen' and 'zweifeln' show different attitudes toward an uncertain situation. 'hoffen' is positive: you wish that something good will happen or become true. 'zweifeln' is uncertain or skeptical: you are not sure that something is true or will work out. People often say 'an etwas zweifeln' (to doubt something). The words can be confused because both are used in situations of uncertainty. The difference is: 'hoffen' looks ahead with confidence, while 'zweifeln' shows doubts or concerns.
Wegen der vielen Fehler zweifelt die Chefin an dem Plan.
Because of the many mistakes, the boss doubts the plan.
Er hofft, dass morgen genug Zeit für den Haushalt bleibt.
He hopes that there will be enough time for the housework tomorrow.