befürchten
Translation
to fear, to be afraid of, to suspect
Examples
Ich befürchte das Schlimmste.
I fear the worst.
Wir befürchten, dass es regnen wird.
We fear that it will rain.
Sie befürchtet, den Zug zu verpassen.
She is afraid of missing the train.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to fear sth. I fear the worst.
((dass-Satz)) to fear that... We fear that it will rain.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ängstigen, sorgen; Antonyms: hoffen, vertrauen
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' (acting upon something) and 'fürchten' (to fear). It means to direct fear towards a specific thing.
Memory Tips
Think of 'be-' as focusing the fear. You don't just fear in general, you 'befürchten' a specific outcome.