In 15 Seconds
- Means having a high bar for quality or performance.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'haben', 'erfüllen', or 'enttäuschen'.
- Applicable in both professional settings and personal life.
Meaning
This phrase describes having a high bar for someone or something. It is about anticipating a great result or expecting someone to perform at their absolute best.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new movie
Ich habe wirklich hohe Erwartungen an den neuen Film.
I really have high expectations for the new movie.
In a job interview
Ich habe hohe Erwartungen an meine eigene Leistung.
I have high expectations for my own performance.
Texting a friend about a date
Keine hohen Erwartungen, dann wird man nicht enttäuscht!
No high expectations, then you won't be disappointed!
Cultural Background
High expectations are often linked to 'Pflichtbewusstsein' (sense of duty). Failing to meet expectations is seen as a lack of discipline. Expectations for punctuality and quality are exceptionally high. 'Hohe Erwartungen' are the quiet baseline for all social interactions. While standards are high, there is a concept called 'Schlamperei' (relaxed negligence) that sometimes contrasts with 'hohen Erwartungen'. The phrase is a staple of 'Denglisch' (German-English) business speak, often used in meetings about strategy.
Use 'stellen' for people
When talking about a boss or parents, use 'stellen'. It sounds much more natural and professional than 'haben'.
Watch the preposition
Never use 'in' or 'für'. It is always 'an' + Accusative. This is the #1 mistake B1 students make.
In 15 Seconds
- Means having a high bar for quality or performance.
- Commonly used with verbs like 'haben', 'erfüllen', or 'enttäuschen'.
- Applicable in both professional settings and personal life.
What It Means
Hohe Erwartungen is all about the bar you set. It means you are looking for quality. You aren't easily satisfied with 'okay' or 'average'. It is the feeling before a big movie premiere. It is what a boss feels for a star employee. You expect greatness, and you aren't afraid to say it.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the verb haben (to have). For example, Ich habe hohe Erwartungen. You can also use erfüllen (to fulfill) or enttäuschen (to disappoint). If a movie was bad, you say it didn't meet your hohen Erwartungen. It works just like the English version. Just remember to decline the adjective hoch based on the case. In the plural accusative, it stays hohe Erwartungen.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing a new restaurant with friends. Use it in a job interview to show ambition. It fits perfectly when talking about a first date. You can use it for sports teams or tech gadgets. It is great for expressing excitement or pressure. If you are waiting for the new iPhone, you have hohe Erwartungen.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, everyday things. You don't have hohe Erwartungen for a glass of water. It sounds a bit too dramatic for low-stakes moments. Avoid it if you want to sound relaxed or chill. If you say this on a first date, you might scare them away! It implies a certain level of pressure. Keep it for things that actually matter.
Cultural Background
Germans are known for valuing quality and precision. This phrase reflects that cultural drive for excellence. In German schools and workplaces, the bar is often set high. There is a specific word, Erwartungsdruck, which means the pressure of expectations. People take their commitments seriously here. If you have hohe Erwartungen, people will usually try hard to meet them. It is a sign of respect for the subject's potential.
Common Variations
You might hear zu hohe Erwartungen (too high expectations). This usually means someone is being unrealistic. Another one is meine Erwartungen wurden übertroffen. This means the result was even better than imagined. If you want to be modest, say ich habe keine großen Erwartungen. That way, you can only be pleasantly surprised. It is the classic German way to avoid disappointment!
Usage Notes
This is a very safe, versatile phrase. It fits into any conversation level. Just be careful with the adjective endings (hohe, hohen, hoher) depending on the grammar of your sentence.
Use 'stellen' for people
When talking about a boss or parents, use 'stellen'. It sounds much more natural and professional than 'haben'.
Watch the preposition
Never use 'in' or 'für'. It is always 'an' + Accusative. This is the #1 mistake B1 students make.
Managing expectations
In Germany, it's better to say you have 'moderate' expectations and then over-deliver than to say you have 'hohe Erwartungen' and fail.
Examples
6Ich habe wirklich hohe Erwartungen an den neuen Film.
I really have high expectations for the new movie.
A very common way to express excitement for media.
Ich habe hohe Erwartungen an meine eigene Leistung.
I have high expectations for my own performance.
Shows ambition and self-motivation to an employer.
Keine hohen Erwartungen, dann wird man nicht enttäuscht!
No high expectations, then you won't be disappointed!
A cynical but common piece of advice among friends.
Das Hotel hat unsere hohen Erwartungen leider nicht erfüllt.
Unfortunately, the hotel did not meet our high expectations.
Used when expressing formal dissatisfaction with a service.
Die Eltern haben oft zu hohe Erwartungen an ihre Kinder.
Parents often have too high expectations for their children.
Reflects a serious social or emotional observation.
Nach dem letzten Sieg sind die Erwartungen extrem hoch.
After the last win, expectations are extremely high.
Describes the collective mood of fans.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct adjective ending and preposition.
Ich habe hoh___ Erwartungen ___ dich.
The adjective 'hohe' follows the plural accusative (no article) and the preposition is 'an'.
Which verb is most formal for 'setting' expectations?
Der Direktor _______ hohe Erwartungen an das Team.
'Stellen' is the standard formal verb for placing or setting expectations.
Complete the response.
A: War der Urlaub gut? B: Nein, meine hohen Erwartungen wurden ________.
'Enttäuscht' (disappointed) is the standard verb for when expectations are not met.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Ich habe keine hohen Erwartungen'?
It expresses a low level of hope or anticipation for a positive result.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe hoh___ Erwartungen ___ dich.
The adjective 'hohe' follows the plural accusative (no article) and the preposition is 'an'.
Der Direktor _______ hohe Erwartungen an das Team.
'Stellen' is the standard formal verb for placing or setting expectations.
A: War der Urlaub gut? B: Nein, meine hohen Erwartungen wurden ________.
'Enttäuscht' (disappointed) is the standard verb for when expectations are not met.
When would you say 'Ich habe keine hohen Erwartungen'?
It expresses a low level of hope or anticipation for a positive result.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct and used in literature (like Dickens), but 'hohe' is much more common in daily speech and business.
You can say 'niedrige Erwartungen' (low expectations) or 'geringe Erwartungen'.
It is 'an dich' (Accusative) because the expectations are directed towards you.
No, 'Erwartungen' usually implies a hope for a positive or specific outcome. For fears, use 'Befürchtungen'.
Use the phrase 'den Erwartungen gerecht werden'.
Almost. 'Erwartungshaltung' refers to the general attitude of expecting something, often used critically.
No, that would be a very funny misunderstanding! 'Hoch' here is strictly figurative.
Constantly. Every time a big team plays, the media talks about 'hohe Erwartungen'.
Related Phrases
hohe Ansprüche
synonymHigh demands/standards
die Messlatte hoch legen
similarTo set the bar high
Erwartungsdruck
builds onPressure to perform
hinter den Erwartungen zurückbleiben
specialized formTo fall short of expectations
