Meaning
To have strong expectations for a positive outcome.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'große Hoffnungen hegen' is often used in press releases to signal stability and long-term planning. It avoids the 'hype' often found in English-speaking markets. Austrians might use this phrase with a touch more 'Höflichkeit' (politeness) in administrative contexts. It sounds very 'beamtendeutsch' (civil servant German) in a respectful way. In Swiss High German, the phrase is equally common in formal contexts, especially in political discussions regarding neutrality or international treaties. Classic German literature (Goethe, Schiller) uses 'hegen' to describe the internal soul. It's a key word for understanding the 'Innerlichkeit' (inwardness) of German Romanticism.
Use with 'berechtigt'
Pair it with 'berechtigt' (justified) to sound even more professional: 'Wir hegen berechtigte Hoffnungen...'
Don't overdo it
Using 'hegen' too much in one conversation can make you sound stiff. Mix it with 'hoffen' or 'glauben'.
Meaning
To have strong expectations for a positive outcome.
Use with 'berechtigt'
Pair it with 'berechtigt' (justified) to sound even more professional: 'Wir hegen berechtigte Hoffnungen...'
Don't overdo it
Using 'hegen' too much in one conversation can make you sound stiff. Mix it with 'hoffen' or 'glauben'.
The 'Groll' connection
Remember that 'hegen' is also the standard verb for 'Groll' (grudge). It's about any feeling you 'keep' inside for a long time.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hegen'.
Die Regierung _______ große Hoffnungen auf das neue Wirtschaftsprogramm.
The subject 'Die Regierung' is 3rd person singular, so 'hegt' is the correct conjugation.
Which sentence is the most natural for a formal business email?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct collocation and the appropriate formal register.
Match the verb with its typical object.
Match the following:
These are standard German collocations for emotions.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Glaubst du, die Verhandlungen führen zu einem Ergebnis? B: Ja, ich ______ ______ ________, dass wir heute eine Einigung erzielen.
The context of 'Verhandlungen' (negotiations) suggests a formal, positive expectation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hegen vs. Haben
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDie Regierung _______ große Hoffnungen auf das neue Wirtschaftsprogramm.
The subject 'Die Regierung' is 3rd person singular, so 'hegt' is the correct conjugation.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct collocation and the appropriate formal register.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard German collocations for emotions.
A: Glaubst du, die Verhandlungen führen zu einem Ergebnis? B: Ja, ich ______ ______ ________, dass wir heute eine Einigung erzielen.
The context of 'Verhandlungen' (negotiations) suggests a formal, positive expectation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but it sounds very poetic. In 99% of cases, use the plural 'Hoffnungen'.
Mostly, but it's also used for 'Zweifel' (doubts) and 'Groll' (grudges).
'Hegen' is about protecting; 'pflegen' is about active care. They are often used together: 'hegen und pflegen'.
No, it's too formal for most texts. Use 'Ich hoffe' instead.
Yes, 'einen Wunsch hegen' is possible and very elegant.
Use 'auf' for the object of hope. 'Ich hege Hoffnungen auf Erfolg'.
Use 'Mach dir keine (großen) Hoffnungen'.
No, it's a weak/regular verb: hegte, gehegt.
Absolutely! It's a perfect 'power phrase' for cover letters.
A little bit, but in a 'sophisticated' way, not an 'obsolete' way.
'Hoffnungslos sein' or 'alle Hoffnung aufgeben' (to give up all hope).
Yes, it's correct but less 'premium' than 'hegen'.
Yes! A 'Hexe' was originally someone who sat on the 'Hag' (the hedge between the village and the wild).
No, that would sound very strange. Use 'Ich hoffe' or 'Hoffentlich'.
Related Phrases
sich Hoffnungen machen
similarTo get one's hopes up
Groll hegen
similarTo bear a grudge
Zweifel hegen
similarTo harbor doubts
die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt
relatedHope dies last
voller Optimismus sein
synonymTo be full of optimism
hohe Erwartungen haben
synonymTo have high expectations
