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glaubwürdig
credible
In such a way that one can trust and believe a person or information; trustworthy.
example
Die Zeugin machte eine sehr glaubwürdige Aussage vor Gericht.
The witness made a very credible statement in court.
glaubwürdig
credible
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The adjective is made up of the verb 'glauben' (to believe) and the suffix '-würdig' (-worthy). Something that is 'glaubwürdig' (credible) is therefore literally 'worthy of being believed'.
EXAMPLE
Seine Entschuldigung klang für mich nicht besonders glaubwürdig.
His apology didn't sound especially credible to me.
Use with verbs
'Glaubwürdig' (credible) is often combined with verbs that describe a perception or impression. Typical verbs are 'wirken' (to seem), 'erscheinen' (to appear), 'klingen' (to sound), or 'aussehen' (to look).
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er die Wahrheit sagte, wirkte seine Geschichte einfach nicht glaubwürdig.
Although he was telling the truth, his story simply didn't seem credible.
Typical collocations
In connection with facts and information, 'glaubwürdig' (credible) is often combined with nouns like 'Quelle' (source), 'Zeuge' (witness), 'Beweis' (evidence), or 'Erklärung' (explanation).
EXAMPLE
Journalisten müssen ihre Informationen immer aus glaubwürdigen Quellen beziehen.
Journalists must always get their information from credible sources.
Art context clue
When it comes to art, theater, or film, 'glaubwürdig' (believable) does not mean 'true', but rather 'realistic' or 'convincing'. It describes whether a portrayal feels authentic.
EXAMPLE
Die Schauspielerin hat die Trauer ihrer Figur sehr glaubwürdig dargestellt.
The actress portrayed her character's grief very convincingly.
Compare with
glaubwürdig vs realistisch
realistic
'realistisch' and 'glaubwürdig' can both mean that something does not seem artificial or false. However, 'realistisch' emphasizes that something fits reality or is practically possible. 'glaubwürdig' emphasizes that you can believe a person, a piece of information, or a portrayal. Learners may confuse the words because a believable film often also seems realistic. But a plan is more likely to be 'realistisch' if it is feasible, and a statement is more likely to be 'glaubwürdig' if you can trust it.
glaubwürdig
Zu Hause fanden wir seine Erklärung nicht besonders glaubwürdig.
At home, we did not find his explanation especially credible.
realistisch
Nach der Nachricht bleibt mein Nachbar realistisch und plant nur das, was wirklich möglich ist.
After the news, my neighbor stays realistic and only plans what is actually possible.
In real life
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