vertrouwen — meaning in English: to trust

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

Guess the translation for to trust

gevoel

erg

vertrouwen

ik hoop het

vier

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Dutch for free

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

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'vertrouwen' in personal relationships, such as when discussing the reliability of friends or family. For example, you might hear someone say, 'Ik heb vertrouwen in jou,' meaning 'I trust you,' during a heartfelt conversation. Additionally, 'vertrouwen' is frequently used in professional settings, where discussing trust in colleagues or business partners is crucial.

Synonyms & nuances

'Vertrouwen' can be compared to 'geloven,' which means 'to believe.' While 'geloven' is often used in a more spiritual or faith-based context, 'vertrouwen' specifically refers to trust in people or situations. Therefore, you would typically choose 'vertrouwen' when discussing personal relationships or reliability.

Culture

'Vertrouwen' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'vertrouwe,' which itself is derived from the Proto-Germanic root *traudōną, meaning 'to believe' or 'to rely on.' Trust is a foundational concept in Dutch culture, reflecting the emphasis on openness and honesty in relationships, both personal and professional. A well-known Dutch saying is, 'Vertrouwen komt te voet en gaat te paard,' which translates to 'Trust arrives on foot and departs on horseback,' highlighting how easily trust can be lost.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'vertrouwen' in a sentence?

'Vertrouwen' can be used in various contexts, such as 'Ik heb vertrouwen in mijn team,' meaning 'I trust my team.' It can also be used reflexively, like 'Ik vertrouw op jou,' which translates to 'I trust in you.'

Q.What are some common phrases with 'vertrouwen'?

Common phrases include 'Het vertrouwen hebben' (to have trust) and 'Vertrouwen op iemand' (to trust someone). These expressions can be very useful in conversations about reliability and support.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'vertrouwen'?

A common mistake is confusing 'vertrouwen' with 'geloven.' Remember that 'vertrouwen' is used specifically for trust in people or situations, while 'geloven' is more about belief or faith. Use the right word depending on the context!

Learn dutch with Maspeak →

Dutch Vocabulary