glauben — meaning in English: believe

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for trust

helfen

tage

glauben

warst

wahr

Skip this question

🎓

Learn German for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'glauben' in various contexts, from casual conversations about personal beliefs to discussions surrounding religion and philosophy. For instance, you might hear it when friends discuss their faith or when someone is expressing disbelief in a rumor, saying, 'Ich glaube nicht, dass das stimmt' (I don’t believe that’s true).

Synonyms & nuances

'Glauben' is often compared to 'denken' (to think). While 'denken' refers to the act of thinking or reasoning, 'glauben' implies an emotional component, suggesting a conviction or trust that may not be based solely on evidence. You would choose 'glauben' when expressing faith or confidence in something that might be uncertain.

Culture

'Glauben' is derived from the Old High German 'glouben', which has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*galaubōną', meaning 'to hold dear' or 'to consider'. This word not only signifies belief in the mundane sense but also embodies a deeper connection to faith and trust in various aspects of life, reflecting Germany's rich philosophical traditions, particularly in the realms of existentialism and theology.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 'glauben' and 'wissen'?

'Glauben' means 'to believe' and is used when you're not entirely sure about something, while 'wissen' means 'to know' and indicates certainty. For example, you might say 'Ich glaube, dass es morgen regnet' (I believe it will rain tomorrow) versus 'Ich weiß, dass es heute regnet' (I know it is raining today).

Q.How do you conjugate 'glauben' in the present tense?

'Glauben' is a regular verb, so it conjugates as follows: ich glaube (I believe), du glaubst (you believe), er/sie/es glaubt (he/she/it believes), wir glauben (we believe), ihr glaubt (you all believe), and sie/Sie glauben (they/you formal believe).

Q.Can 'glauben' be used in a negative form?

Yes, 'glauben' can easily be used in the negative form. You would say 'Ich glaube nicht' (I don't believe) to express disbelief or skepticism. This structure is common in everyday conversations when challenging a statement or opinion.

Learn german with Maspeak →

German 500