Dictionary
English - German

Expect

ɪkˈspɛkt
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

erwarten, annehmen, voraussehen

Expect meanings in German

erwarten

Example:
I expect the package to arrive tomorrow.
Ich erwarte, dass das Paket morgen ankommt.
She is expecting a promotion at work.
Sie erwartet eine Beförderung bei der Arbeit.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in various contexts to express anticipation or belief in something happening in the future.
Note: The most common translation for 'expect' in Deutsch, used in both formal and informal situations.

annehmen

Example:
I expect that he will be late.
Ich nehme an, dass er zu spät sein wird.
She expects him to call her back.
Sie erwartet, dass er sie zurückruft.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when assuming or supposing something to be true or likely.
Note: Can also be translated as 'assume' or 'presume' in certain contexts.

voraussehen

Example:
I didn't expect that to happen.
Das habe ich nicht vorausgesehen.
She expected the outcome to be different.
Sie hat das Ergebnis anders vorausgesehen.
Usage: formalContext: Used when referring to foreseeing or predicting a future event or outcome.
Note: Has a slightly more formal tone compared to 'erwarten' or 'annehmen'.

Expect's synonyms

anticipate

To anticipate means to expect or foresee something happening and prepare for it.
Example: She anticipated a difficult conversation with her boss.
Note: Anticipate often implies a sense of readiness or preparation for what is expected.

await

To await means to wait for something to happen or someone to arrive.
Example: We await your response to proceed further.
Note: Await is more formal and implies a passive state of waiting for something.

foresee

To foresee means to predict or see something coming before it actually happens.
Example: The economist could foresee the impact of the new policy on the market.
Note: Foresee often implies a sense of prediction based on knowledge or intuition.

predict

To predict means to say or estimate that something will happen in the future.
Example: The weather forecast predicted heavy rain for the weekend.
Note: Predict is often used in the context of making an educated guess or forecast based on evidence or data.

hope

To hope means to desire or wish for something to happen.
Example: I hope you can make it to the party tomorrow.
Note: Hope is more about expressing a wish or desire rather than a firm expectation.

Expect expressions, common phrases

Expect the unexpected

This phrase means to anticipate that something surprising or unforeseen may happen.
Example: In life, it's always good to be prepared for the unexpected.
Note: This phrase emphasizes being prepared for unforeseen events beyond regular expectations.

Expect the worst

To anticipate or prepare for the worst possible outcome in a situation.
Example: I always expect the worst so that I won't be disappointed.
Note: This phrase implies preparing mentally for negative outcomes rather than having positive expectations.

Expect the best

To have positive expectations and anticipate good outcomes.
Example: I always expect the best from my students, and they usually rise to the occasion.
Note: This phrase emphasizes having a positive outlook and anticipating favorable results.

Expect the moon

To have unrealistic or excessively high expectations.
Example: She always expects the moon from her employees, but they struggle to meet her high standards.
Note: This phrase implies expecting something that is beyond reasonable or achievable.

Expect a baby

To be pregnant and anticipating the birth of a child.
Example: They are expecting a baby in the spring.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to the anticipation of a new addition to the family through pregnancy.

Expect the worst and hope for the best

To prepare for negative outcomes while still maintaining optimism for positive results.
Example: Although the project is facing challenges, we are expecting the worst and hoping for the best.
Note: This phrase combines preparing for negative scenarios with maintaining a hopeful attitude towards positive outcomes.

As one would expect

Indicates that something happened as one might have predicted or expected.
Example: As one would expect, the experienced chef prepared a delicious meal.
Note: This phrase is used to denote a situation unfolding in a predictable or expected manner.

Expect everyday (slang) expressions

Expect the Spanish Inquisition

This phrase humorously refers to expecting something unexpected or surprising, due to the unpredictability and severity associated with the Spanish Inquisition.
Example: When I told her I had some news, she said don't tell her it's like expecting the Spanish Inquisition.
Note: It adds humor and exaggeration to the concept of expecting the unexpected.

Expect a miracle

This phrase implies that the desired outcome is unlikely to happen without divine intervention or an unlikely stroke of luck.
Example: I don't know how we'll finish this project on time. We might need to expect a miracle.
Note: It suggests a sense of hope and reliance on extraordinary circumstances beyond normal expectations.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

This phrase warns against assuming a positive result will occur before it actually has.
Example: I know you're excited about your job interview, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.
Note: It emphasizes the importance of not prematurely expecting or depending on something uncertain.

Expecting too much

This phrase suggests that someone's expectations are unrealistic or overly high in a given situation.
Example: I think you're expecting too much from a beginner. You need to be patient.
Note: It implies a critique of unrealistic expectations rather than a neutral sense of anticipation.

Expect the Spanish Armada

This phrase humorously refers to expecting something to happen that is extremely unlikely, based on a historical event known for its failure.
Example: John never shows up on time, so expecting him to be early is like expecting the Spanish Armada.
Note: It injects humor into the idea of expecting something highly improbable.

Expect the unexpected like a ninja

This phrase suggests being prepared for surprises or unforeseen events in a stealthy, agile manner, akin to a ninja's skills.
Example: Dealing with toddlers is like expecting the unexpected like a ninja; you have to be quick on your feet.
Note: It combines the idea of expecting the unexpected with the imagery of a ninja, emphasizing agility and resourcefulness.

Out of the blue

This phrase describes something happening unexpectedly or without warning.
Example: I wasn't expecting her call, it came out of the blue.
Note: It highlights the sudden and surprising nature of an event, differentiating it from a typical expectation.

Expect - Examples

I expect you to be on time.
Ich erwarte, dass du pünktlich bist.
She expects to get a promotion soon.
Sie erwartet, bald befördert zu werden.
We didn't expect the weather to be so bad.
Wir haben nicht erwartet, dass das Wetter so schlecht ist.

Expect grammar

Expect - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: expect
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): expected
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): expecting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): expects
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): expect
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): expect
Syllables, Separation and Stress
expect Contains 2 syllables: ex • pect
Phonetic transcription: ik-ˈspekt
ex pect , ik ˈspekt (The red syllable is stressed)

Expect - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
expect: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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