bestehen
exist · consist · insist · pass
Etwas erfolgreich schaffen oder nicht aufgeben und weiter da sein.
Definition & meaning
The verb bestehen is a versatile German word with several distinct meanings depending on the context:
- To pass (an exam/test): To successfully complete an academic requirement or a challenge.
- To exist/consist: To be in existence or to be made up of certain components.
- When used as "bestehen aus", it means "to consist of" or "to be composed of".
- When used as "bestehen auf", it means "to insist on" something.
- When used as "bestehen in", it means "to consist in" or "to be defined by" (e.g., "The problem consists in the lack of time").
- To persist/endure: To continue to exist over time or to withstand pressure/resistance.
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a strong irregular verb. The conjugation follows the pattern: bestehen (infinitive), bestand (simple past), bestanden (past participle). It typically takes the auxiliary verb "haben", although in some contexts regarding existence, it can occasionally appear in formal constructions that imply state.
- Word origin: It is derived from the prefix be- (conveying a sense of encompassing or intensive action) and the verb stehen (to stand). Literally, it originally meant "to stand upon" or "to take a stand," which evolved into the current meanings of being established, existing, or successfully enduring a test.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- For "to pass": erfolgreich absolvieren
- For "to consist of": sich zusammensetzen
- For "to exist": existieren , vorhanden sein
- For "to insist": beharren
Antonyms:
Make “bestehen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Regel besteht seit vielen Jahren.verb
The rule has existed for many years.
Sie besteht aus vielen kleinen Teilen.verb
She consists of many small parts.
Ihre Argumente bestehen aus Fakten.verb
Her arguments consist of facts.
Diese Gruppe besteht aus zehn Personen.verb
This group consists of ten people.
Viele Menschen bestehen auf ihrer Meinung.verb
Many people insist on their opinion.
Unsere Prüfung besteht nur aus drei Teilen.verb
Our exam consists only of three parts.
Sie bestand in diesem Jahr alle Fitness-Tests ohne Probleme.verb
She passed all the fitness tests this year without any problems.
Wir haben gestern die Fahrprüfung erfolgreich bestanden.verb
We successfully passed the driving test yesterday.
Warum möchtest du die Prüfung nicht noch einmal bestehen?verb
Why don't you want to pass the exam again?
Er hat die schwere Prüfung gestern endlich bestanden.verb
He finally passed the difficult exam yesterday.
Trotz großer Schwierigkeiten bestand er die Aufnahmeprüfung erfolgreich.verb
Despite great difficulties, he passed the entrance exam successfully.
Ich hoffe, dass du die Prüfung morgen bestehst.verb
I hope that you pass the exam tomorrow.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad