mistrust
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mistrust
The feeling or attitude of not trusting or believing someone or something. It is characterized by doubt and suspicion.
Sein ständiges Lügen nährte mein tiefes Misstrauen ihm gegenüber.
His constant lying fed my deep mistrust of him.
The word consists of the prefix 'miss-' and the noun 'Vertrauen' (trust). The prefix 'miss-' here expresses the opposite or absence of something, so the absence of trust.
Sein Misstrauen war nach der schlechten Erfahrung verständlich.
His mistrust was understandable after the bad experience.
To express whom or what one mistrusts, German usually uses the preposition 'gegenüber' with the dative or 'gegen' with the accusative.
Sie empfand ein tiefes Misstrauen gegenüber Fremden.
She felt deep mistrust toward strangers.
Common verbs used in connection with 'Misstrauen' (mistrust) are 'Misstrauen hegen' (to harbor mistrust), 'Misstrauen schüren' (to fuel it), or 'jemandem mit Misstrauen begegnen' (to meet someone with mistrust).
Der Politiker hegte schon lange Misstrauen gegen seinen Konkurrenten.
The politician had long harbored mistrust toward his competitor.
doubt
'der Zweifel' and 'das Misstrauen' can both show that you do not simply believe something. 'Zweifel' is more general: you are unsure whether something is true or possible. 'Misstrauen' is directed more strongly toward a person, group, or thing that you do not trust. It often sounds more negative because you think someone may not be honest or that something could be dangerous. The words can be confused when you are unsure. If a lack of trust is the main focus, 'Misstrauen' fits better.
Nach mehreren falschen Versprechen wuchs Lenas Misstrauen gegenüber dem Vermieter.
After several false promises, Lena's mistrust of the landlord grew.
Meine Freundin hat Zweifel, ob der Zug heute pünktlich fährt.
My friend has doubts about whether the train will run on time today.