Ich hoffe, dass du die Prüfung bestehst.

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Breakdown of Ich hoffe, dass du die Prüfung bestehst.

• du: you
• dass: that
• hoffen: to hope

Questions & Answers about Ich hoffe, dass du die Prüfung bestehst.

Why is there a comma before dass?

In German, a comma is normally required before a subordinating conjunction like dass when it introduces a subordinate clause.

• Ich hoffe, main clause
• dass du die Prüfung bestehst. subordinate clause (a dass-clause)

The comma marks the boundary between the main clause and the subordinate clause.

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What is the function of dass here, and how is it different from das?

dass (with double s) is a subordinating conjunction meaning roughly “that” in sentences like:

• I hope that you pass the exam.

It introduces a clause that functions as the object of hoffe.

das (with one s) can be:

• a definite article: das Buch (the book)
• a demonstrative pronoun: das ist gut (that is good)
• a relative pronoun: das Buch, das ich lese (the book that I am reading)

So in this sentence it must be dass because it introduces a content clause (what I hope).

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Why is the verb bestehst at the end of the sentence?