self-confident / self-aware
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self-confident
Describes a person who is convinced of their own abilities and worth and presents themselves with confidence.
Sie hat die Präsentation sehr selbstbewusst und überzeugend gehalten.
She gave the presentation in a very self-confident and convincing way.
The word is made up of 'selbst' (self) and 'bewusst' (aware). So it literally means that one is aware of oneself. From this comes today's main meaning, 'sicher im Auftreten' (confident in one's manner).
Ein selbstbewusster Mensch kennt seine Stärken und Schwächen.
A self-confident person knows their strengths and weaknesses.
The adjective 'selbstbewusst' (self-confident/self-aware) is directly connected to the noun 'das Selbstbewusstsein' (self-confidence/self-awareness). This noun can mean both 'self-confidence' and 'self-awareness'.
Ihr mangelt es an Selbstbewusstsein, um vor vielen Menschen zu sprechen.
She lacks the self-confidence to speak in front of many people.
In its everyday meaning, 'selbstbewusst' (self-confident) is often combined with verbs of appearance or manner. Typical phrases are 'selbstbewusst auftreten' (to appear confident), 'selbstbewusst wirken' (to seem confident), or 'selbstbewusst sein' (to be confident).
Obwohl er nervös war, versuchte er, selbstbewusst aufzutreten.
Although he was nervous, he tried to appear self-confident.
The philosophical meaning 'sich seiner Existenz bewusst sein' (to be aware of one's existence) is used almost exclusively in scientific, psychological, or philosophical texts. In everyday language, the meaning is always 'sicher im Auftreten' (confident in one's manner).
In der Philosophie wird diskutiert, ab wann ein Kind selbstbewusst ist.
In philosophy, people discuss from what point a child is self-aware.
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'selbstbewusst' can both describe how a person presents themselves. 'sicher' mainly says that someone does not doubt or acts in a situation without uncertainty. 'selbstbewusst' describes a person's personality or attitude more strongly: they believe in themselves and show it. The words can be confused when someone speaks or acts calmly and clearly. 'sicher' fits more with a specific action or decision. 'selbstbewusst' fits more with a person and how they come across.
Im Bewerbungsgespräch wirkt er selbstbewusst, aber nicht arrogant.
In the job interview, he seems self-confident but not arrogant.
Für den Kurs hat er die Übung sicher vorgeführt.
For the course, he demonstrated the exercise confidently.