Ich bin zuversichtlich
The English phrase "I am confident" is translated into German as Ich bin zuversichtlich.
You can also use the adjective selbstsicher to mean "self-assured" or the adjective überzeugt to mean "convinced".
Which one should you use?
There are important distinctions between similar German terms depending on what kind of confidence you mean. Use zuversichtlich to express optimism about an outcome or a future event. In contrast, use selbstbewusst to refer to a person's own self-confidence or sense of self-assurance. If you want to express factual certainty rather than an optimistic outlook, use the phrase Ich bin mir sicher (I am sure/certain) instead of Ich bin zuversichtlich.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express confidence in a specific fact or event, Ich bin zuversichtlich is typically followed by a subordinate clause starting with dass (that).
Did you know?
- The word zuversichtlich comes from Zuversicht, which literally translates to 'toward-sight'. It implies looking forward with a positive gaze.
- In German, if you say Ich bin mir sicher, you are literally saying 'I am sure to myself'.
- The word selbstbewusst can occasionally be used in philosophical contexts to mean 'conscious' or 'aware of one's existence', which has nothing to do with confidence.
Examples in context
- Ich bin zuversichtlich, dass er sein Versprechen halten wird.I am confident he will keep his promise.This sentence shows how to use Ich bin zuversichtlich when expressing confidence in a future event.Tatoeba #370196 by Wolf, translation #260155 by CK
- In meiner beruflichen Karriere habe ich viel erreicht, und ich bin selbstbewusst genug, um neue Herausforderungen anzunehmen.In my professional career, I have achieved a lot, and I am confident enough to take on new challenges.
- Als Projektmanager verfüge ich über genügend Selbstvertrauen, um selbst in anspruchsvollen Situationen gute Entscheidungen zu treffen.As a project manager, I have enough self-confidence to make good decisions even in challenging situations.
- Nach intensivem Training bin ich voller Selbstvertrauen für das Fußballspiel am Wochenende.After intense training, I am full of self-confidence for the soccer game this weekend.
- Ich habe absolut keine Bedenken, dass wir das Projekt erfolgreich abschließen werden.I have absolutely no doubts that we will successfully complete the project.
- Ich bin zuversichtlich, dass es bald regnet.I am confident that it will rain soon.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are discussing a project at work.
- JulianWird unser Projekt ein Erfolg sein?Will our project be a success?
- JuliaIch bin zuversichtlich, dass wir es schaffen.I am confident that we will make it.
- JulianDas ist gut zu hören, Julia.That is good to hear, Julia.
- JuliaDu wirst sehen, Julian.You will see, Julian.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
