German word

Hoffnung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɔfnʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounhope

Example

Gib die Hoffnung nicht auf.

Don't give up hope.

Illustration for Hoffnung (hope)

More examples

Ich habe noch Hoffnung.

I still have hope.

Core concept

A dark path contains a small light ahead, showing that a wanted future may still become real.

Common phrases

  • Hoffnung haben

    have hope

  • Hoffnung aufgeben

    give up hope

Similar words

Wunsch: A strong desire for something to be gained or made real.
Erwartung: An expectation that a result will follow an action or event.
Chance: A prospect of success or an opportunity to achieve it.
Möglichkeit: The possibility that something may happen under certain conditions.

Definition in German

Die Zuversicht oder Erwartung, dass ein gewünschtes Ereignis in der Zukunft möglich ist.

Word origin

The noun Hoffnung derives from hoffen through the productive German suffix -ung, which forms nouns for states, processes, or results.

Usage tips

  • The object of Hoffnung is commonly introduced by auf with the accusative, as in Hoffnung auf bessere Zeiten.

Other meanings

  • prospectnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word