seriös
reputable
Describes a person, company, or offer as trustworthy, credible, and honorable.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein sehr seriöses Angebot, da gibt es keinen Haken.
That is a very reputable offer; there is no catch.
seriös
reputable / respectable
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Meanings
seriös
respectable
Describes an appearance, clothing, or behavior as serious, formal, and understated.
EXAMPLE
Für das Bewerbungsgespräch wählte er einen seriösen Anzug.
For the job interview, he chose a respectable suit.
Usage tips
False friend
'Seriös' means 'trustworthy' or 'respectable'. It is not the same as the English 'serious', which often means 'ernst' (not laughing) or 'schwerwiegend' (a serious injury).
EXAMPLE
Ich suche eine seriöse Firma für die Renovierung meiner Wohnung.
I am looking for a reputable company to renovate my apartment.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'trustworthy', 'seriös' is often used for things in business life. Typical combinations are 'ein seriöses Unternehmen' (a reputable company), 'eine seriöse Quelle' (a reliable source), or 'ein seriöser Anbieter' (a reputable provider).
EXAMPLE
Prüfen Sie immer, ob die Website des Online-Shops seriös ist.
Always check whether the online shop's website is reputable.
Appearance and demeanor
When it refers to people, 'seriös' describes a serious and professional appearance. Common combinations are 'seriöse Kleidung' (respectable clothing), 'ein seriöses Auftreten' (a professional demeanor), or 'seriös wirken' (to appear respectable).
EXAMPLE
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch ist ein seriöses Auftreten sehr wichtig.
For the job interview, a professional demeanor is very important.
Compare with
seriös vs ernst
serious
When describing a person, „ernst“ refers to a thoughtful, non-joking attitude. „Seriös“, on the other hand, describes the person as trustworthy and credible. A seriös person can therefore come across as friendly and cheerful, while an ernst person is not automatically trustworthy.
seriös
Der Berater wirkt seriös, weil er offen über alle Kosten informiert.
The adviser seems reputable because he is open about all the costs.
ernst
Der Berater bleibt während des Gesprächs ernst und macht keine Scherze.
The adviser remains serious throughout the conversation and does not make any jokes.
In real life
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