authenticity
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authenticity
The quality of being authentic, original, and not forged or imitated. This can refer to objects, documents, or even feelings.
Ein Experte hat die Echtheit des Gemäldes bestätigt.
An expert confirmed the authenticity of the painting.
The word is formed from the adjective 'echt' (real/genuine) and the suffix '-heit'. The suffix '-heit' turns adjectives into nouns that describe a quality or state, here the state of being genuine.
Die Echtheit seiner Entschuldigung war fraglich.
The authenticity of his apology was questionable.
'Echtheit' (authenticity) is often used with verbs that express verification or doubt. Typical verbs are 'die Echtheit prüfen' (to check authenticity), 'bestätigen' (to confirm), 'anzweifeln' (to call into question), or 'bezweifeln' (to doubt).
Ein Gutachter muss die Echtheit der Unterschrift prüfen.
An expert has to check the authenticity of the signature.
To say whose authenticity is meant, German usually uses the genitive or a 'von' construction. The genitive is more common in written language.
Die Echtheit des Dokuments wurde bestätigt.
The authenticity of the document was confirmed.
credibility
'Glaubwürdigkeit' (credibility) and 'Echtheit' (authenticity) are both connected to trust, but they do not mean the same thing. You use 'Glaubwürdigkeit' when you can trust a person, statement, or source. It is about whether something seems convincing and reliable. You use 'Echtheit' when something is original, not fake, or genuinely meant that way. This can apply to a document, an object, or even a feeling. The words can be confused because something genuine often also seems credible. Still, the rule is: a passport has 'Echtheit', a witness has 'Glaubwürdigkeit'.
Bei der Arbeit prüft Sofia die Echtheit des Dokuments.
At work, Sofia checks the authenticity of the document.
Die Glaubwürdigkeit der Zeugin ist wichtig, weil ihre Aussage den Fall erklären kann.
The witness's credibility is important because her statement can explain the case.