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German Phrase

Ich hoffe, ich bestehe.

/ɪç ˈhoːfə ɪç bəˈʃteː/
Meaning"I hope I pass."
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Meaning

Literally, “I hope, I pass.” It is used when you are awaiting the result of an exam, test, or any situation where success is uncertain.

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When to use

Say this right after a test, before receiving grades, or when you’re about to take an exam and want to express optimism about passing.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichhoffe,ichbestehe.

1

Verb‑Second (V2) Position

Both main clauses keep the finite verb in second position, even after the comma.

2

Comma Rule

In German a comma separates two independent clauses; it is mandatory here.

3

bestehen (to pass)

When used with an exam or test, ‘bestehen’ means ‘to pass’ (not ‘to exist’).

4

hoffen (to hope)

‘hoffen’ is a regular verb; in the first‑person singular present it becomes ‘hoffe’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie war die Prüfung?

How was the exam?

Ich hoffe, ich bestehe.

I hope I pass.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich hoffe das ich bestehe.

    ‘das’ is a neuter article; the correct conjunction is ‘dass’ (that).

  • Ich hoffe, ich bestehe die Prüfung.

    When the object follows, you need ‘die Prüfung bestehen’ or the infinitive construction.

  • Ich hoffe ich bestehe.

    German requires a comma between two independent clauses.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich hoffe, dass ich bestehe.

    I hope that I pass.

  • Ich drücke die Daumen, dass ich bestehe.

    I’m crossing my fingers that I pass.

  • Ich bin zuversichtlich, die Prüfung zu bestehen.

    I’m confident I’ll pass the exam.

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Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it’s common to say ‘Ich hoffe, ich bestehe’ right after an exam. Remember that ‘bestehen’ also means ‘to exist’, so the meaning is clarified by the context (usually a test, Prüfung, or competition). Using ‘dass’ is optional but can sound a bit more formal.