Vertrauen
/fɛɐ̯ˈtʁaʊ̯ən/
To trust in German is Vertrauen.
Vertrauen is used to express being confident in someone or something. It specifically implies a deep, personal trust in a person's character. This is distinct from the German verb glauben, which is used when you believe a specific statement or a fact.
Meaning: to be confident (verb)
Which one should you use?
While the verb vertrauen focuses on personal character, the noun form das Vertrauen can be used with a definite article to mean 'the trust'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb vertrauen always takes the dative case for the person being trusted. In the past tense, the verb becomes vertraute.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛɐ̯ˈtʁaʊ̯ən/
Did you know?
- In German, the phrase Vertrauen schenken literally describes trust as a gift. This implies that trust is something granted voluntarily to another person rather than just a feeling.
- The root of vertrauen is also found in the word trauen, which means 'to marry'. This links the act of marriage to a fundamental vow of loyalty and trust.
- The term Vertrauensschutz is a specific legal concept in Germany. It refers to the protection of 'legitimate expectations', ensuring that a person is not harmed by relying on a government's official action.
Examples in context
- Er kann Tom vertrauen.He can trust Tom.This sentence shows how to use Vertrauen with a person's name.Tatoeba #13471698 by Vortarulo, translation #13472051 by rul
- Ich kann ihm vertrauen.I can trust him.This sentence demonstrates using Vertrauen with a pronoun.Tatoeba #3813575 by Esperantostern, translation #3905155 by CH
- Vertrauen Sie ihm noch?Do you still trust him?This sentence shows a question using the formal form of Vertrauen.Tatoeba #7460861 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7447089 by Hybrid
- Das Vertrauen meiner Kollegen ist mir wichtig.The trust of my colleagues is important to me.
- Ich habe Vertrauen in Ihre Entscheidungen.I have trust in your decisions.
- Ich vertraue dir.I trust you.
- Kann ich dir vertrauen?Can I trust you?
- Ich traue meinem besten Freund voll und ganz.I trust my best friend completely.
- Eine vertrauensvolle Beziehung aufbauen.To build a trusting relationship.
- Das Vertrauen stärken.To strengthen trust.
- Sich aufeinander verlassen können.To be able to rely on each other.
- Du bist vertrauenswürdig.You are trustworthy.
- Er genießt mein Vertrauen.He enjoys my trust.
- Das Unternehmen hat einen guten Ruf für Vertrauenswürdigkeit.The company has a good reputation for trustworthiness.
- 324 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a new coworker.
- JulianKannst du dem neuen Kollegen schon vertrauen?Can you trust the new colleague already?
- HannahJa, ich glaube, wir können ihm vertrauen.Yes, I think we can trust him.
- JulianDas ist gut zu hören.That is good to hear.
- HannahWir sollten ihm einfach vertrauen.We should just trust him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Vertrauen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
