ich glaube
/ɪç ˈɡlaʊ̯bə/word by word
The German phrase "I believe" is translated as ich glaube.
ich glaube is a straightforward and widely used translation of "I believe" used to express an opinion or to say that something is likely true.
Which one should you use?
The phrase ich glaube is used to express an opinion or a suspicion that something is true. This differs from the construction ich glaube an, which is used to express belief in the existence or reliability of something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb glauben with the first-person singular subject ich, the verb must be conjugated to glaube.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈɡlaʊ̯bə/
Did you know?
- The verb glauben is also used in the common expression Glaubste?, a highly contracted version of Glaubst du? used as a slang way to ask 'Do you believe it?' or 'Really?'
- The German word ich shares the same ancient roots as the English 'I', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European form *eǵh₂óm.
- In casual German conversation, people often add the word wohl to say ich glaube wohl, which adds a layer of doubt or irony that the English 'I believe' lacks.
Examples in context
- Ich glaube an Ken.I believe in Ken.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you believe in a person using ich glaube.Tatoeba #1816675 by pne, translation #29053 by CN
- Ich glaube an uns.I believe in us.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you believe in a relationship using ich glaube.Tatoeba #12276416 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11952709 by Fenrir
- Ich glaube an Magie.I believe in magic.This sentence is useful for showing how to say you believe in magic using ich glaube.Tatoeba #3386599 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2294003 by CK
- Ich glaube an die Kraft der LiebeI believe in the power of love
- Ich bin der Meinung, dass das eine gute Idee istI believe that's a good idea
- Ich halte es für wahr, dass harte Arbeit zum Erfolg führtI believe that hard work leads to success
- Ich denke, dass Musik die Seele berührtI believe that music touches the soul
- Ich bin überzeugt davon, dass wir den richtigen Weg einschlagenI believe we are heading in the right direction
- Meiner Meinung nach sollten wir mehr Zeit in der Natur verbringenIn my opinion, we should spend more time in nature
- Ich glaube fest daran, dass sich harte Arbeit auszahlt.I strongly believe that hard work pays off.
- Ich bin der Meinung, dass jeder eine zweite Chance verdient.I believe that everyone deserves a second chance.
- Ich halte es für wahr, dass man aus Fehlern lernt.I believe that one learns from mistakes.
- Ich denke, dass Bildung der Schlüssel zum Erfolg ist.I believe that education is the key to success.
- Ich bin überzeugt, dass Zusammenarbeit uns voranbringt.I am convinced that cooperation drives us forward.
- Meiner Meinung nach sollten wir uns mehr um die Umwelt kümmern.In my opinion, we should take better care of the environment.
- 271 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are looking at the cloudy sky.
- JulianIch glaube, es regnet gleich.I believe it's going to rain soon.
- HannahDas glaube ich auch.I believe so too.
- JulianHast du den Regenschirm dabei?Do you have the umbrella with you?
- HannahNein, ich glaube, er liegt zu Hause.No, I believe it is at home.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ich, Glaube) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
