nicht vertraut
/nɪçt fɛɐ̯ˈtʁaʊ̯t/word by word
The German phrase for "not familiar" is nicht vertraut.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of nicht, meaning "not" and vertraut, which literally means "trusted" or "intimate". In this context, it is used to mean "familiar".
Which one should you use?
Use nicht vertraut when you want to say you lack personal acquaintance or experience with something. In contrast, use unbekannt if something is simply unknown or unrecognized.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are not familiar with something, use the construction nicht vertraut sein mit followed by the dative case. When used as a predicate adjective after a verb like sein (to be), the adjective vertraut does not require an ending.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɪçt fɛɐ̯ˈtʁaʊ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word nicht originally evolved from a combination of 'never' and 'creature', essentially meaning 'not a single creature'.
- While nicht vertraut describes a lack of experience, the word vertraut is also used to describe 'intimate' romantic partners, suggesting a deep, shared closeness.
- In German, you can describe a feeling as vertraut, which translates to 'homely' or 'cozy'. It describes the specific emotional comfort of being in a space where everything is familiar.
Examples in context
- Die Melodie war mir nicht vertraut.The tune was not familiar to me.This sentence is useful for describing a melody that was not familiar using nicht vertraut.Tatoeba #663145 by kolonjano, translation #29004 by CK
- Ich bin mit diesem Thema nicht vertraut.I'm not familiar with that subject.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are not familiar with a subject using nicht vertraut.Tatoeba #1541191 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #48346 by CK
- Mit diesem Teil des Themas bin ich nicht vertraut.I'm not familiar with this part of the subject.This sentence is useful for specifying that you are not familiar with a specific part of a subject using nicht vertraut.Tatoeba #781461 by Kuyo, translation #33528 by AlanF_US
- Ich kenne mich damit nicht aus, aber ich werde jemanden finden, der Ihnen helfen kann.I am not familiar with it, but I will find someone who can help you.
- Nein, ich bin leider nicht damit vertraut.No, I am unfortunately not familiar with it.
- Tut mir leid, aber ich habe keine Ahnung davon.Sorry, but I have no clue about it.
- Nein, das ist mir völlig fremd.No, that is completely unknown to me.
Example conversation
In a museum, Julian asks Laura about a specific painting.
- LauraKennst du diesen Maler?Do you know this painter?
- JulianNein, mit seinem Stil bin ich nicht vertraut.No, I am not familiar with his style.
- LauraDas ist schade, er ist sehr bedeutend.That is a pity, he is very significant.
- JulianVielleicht sollte ich mehr darüber lesen.Maybe I should read more about it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nicht, vertraut) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
