Hoffnung

Hoffnung is a German noun meaning hope. It denotes a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular outcome, often accompanied by optimism. The word is used in everyday language as well as in literature, religion, and philosophy. The feminine form is die Hoffnung, and its plural is die Hoffnungen.

It is etymologically related to the verb hoffen and to older Germanic roots associated with expectation and trust. In German, the noun and the verb form a common pair that expresses the stance of looking forward to something favorable, even in uncertain circumstances.

In Christian theology, Hoffnung is one of the three theological virtues, alongside Faith (Glaube) and Charity (Liebe). It embodies trust in future grace, the fulfillment of divine promises, and the hope of eternal life. The concept also appears in secular philosophy and psychology as a motivational state that supports perseverance.

A common German proverb states "Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt" — hope dies last. The phrase reflects the cultural prominence of hope as a moral or adaptive resource in difficult situations.

In modern usage, Hoffnung can denote general optimism about personal, social, or political change. It remains a frequent theme in German literature, music, and media, where it is often juxtaposed with doubt or realism.