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
glaubwürdig
convincing / believable
In a portrayal, for example in a film or play, seeming convincing and realistic.
EXAMPLE
Der Schauspieler hat die Rolle des verzweifelten Vaters sehr glaubwürdig gespielt.
The actor played the role of the desperate father very convincingly.
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 zuverlässig
reliable
A credible piece of information is convincing enough that one can believe it to be true. Reliable information or a reliable source consistently provides accurate and dependable details. glaubwürdig therefore relates to the plausibility of a specific report, while zuverlässig is more about accuracy confirmed repeatedly.
glaubwürdig
Diese Meldung ist glaubwürdig, weil mehrere übereinstimmende Aussagen sie stützen.
This report is credible because several consistent statements support it.
zuverlässig
Die Meldungen dieses Dienstes sind zuverlässig, weil sie sich regelmäßig als korrekt erweisen.
The reports from this service are reliable because they regularly prove to be correct.
In real life
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