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A2 adjective #4,500 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

gläubig

Top 4,500

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces gläubig en 30 secondes

Explication gläubig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'gläubig' as a simple adjective to describe a person's character or identity. You will mostly use it with the verb 'sein' (to be). For example, 'Ich bin gläubig' (I am a believer/faithful) or 'Er ist nicht gläubig' (He is not a believer). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex nuances; just think of it as a way to talk about religion simply. You might see it in basic texts about families or traditions. It is important to learn it alongside other adjectives like 'groß', 'klein', or 'nett'. Even at A1, you should try to remember that the 'g' at the end sounds like a soft 'ch' sound. This helps you sound more natural from the very beginning. You will mostly encounter it in the nominative case. It is a useful word if you want to tell someone about your background in a simple way.

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At the A2 level, you start using 'gläubig' in more varied sentences and begin to see it with adjective endings. You might say 'Mein gläubiger Großvater' (My faithful grandfather) or 'Wir sind eine gläubige Familie' (We are a faithful family). You will also learn the noun form 'der Gläubige'. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'glauben' (to believe/think) and 'gläubig' (faithful). For instance, 'Ich glaube, er kommt' vs 'Er ist gläubig'. You will also encounter the word in the context of holidays and cultural traditions in German-speaking countries. You might read simple articles about how many people in Germany are still 'gläubig'. It is a key word for describing people's values and habits in your community or family. You will also practice using it in the dative and accusative cases within simple phrases.

At the B1 level, you explore the nuances of 'gläubig' in social and cultural discussions. You can explain the difference between being 'religiös' (belonging to a religion) and 'gläubig' (having personal faith). You will use the word to discuss more abstract topics, such as the role of faith in modern society or personal ethics. You will also learn related words like 'der Glaube' (the faith) and 'glaubwürdig' (credible), and you must be careful not to confuse them. You might participate in a discussion about whether young people in Germany are still 'gläubig'. You will also see 'gläubig' used in compound words or with intensifiers like 'tief gläubig' (deeply faithful) or 'streng gläubig' (strictly faithful). Your understanding of adjective declension should be strong enough to use 'gläubig' correctly in all four cases and with different types of articles.

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At the B2 level, you use 'gläubig' in more formal and academic contexts. You might read sociological texts about 'die Gläubigen' in Europe or listen to podcasts about the intersection of science and faith. You will understand how the word can be used metaphorically, though its religious meaning remains dominant. You should be comfortable with the negated form 'ungläubig', which can mean 'atheistic' but also 'incredulous' or 'disbelieving' in a secular context (e.g., 'ein ungläubiger Blick'). You will also learn about the historical context of the word and how it has been used in German literature. You can discuss complex topics like religious freedom and the rights of 'Gläubige' in a secular state. Your vocabulary will include synonyms like 'fromm' or 'gottergeben' and you will know when to use them instead of 'gläubig' to achieve a specific tone.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'gläubig' and its related terms. You can appreciate the stylistic differences between 'gläubig', 'fromm', and 'andächtig' in literary texts. You understand the theological implications of the word and can use it in high-level debates about philosophy or history. You are aware of the word's etymology and how it relates to the broader Germanic root for 'trust' and 'belief'. You might analyze how 'gläubig' is used in the works of authors like Goethe or Hesse to represent certain archetypes. You can also use the word in legal or highly formal contexts, such as discussing 'gutgläubiger Erwerb' (acquisition in good faith) in law, where the root 'glaub-' takes on a very different technical meaning. Your use of the word is precise, and you can switch between different registers with ease.

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At the C2 level, you master the finest nuances of 'gläubig'. You can use it in poetic, archaic, or highly specialized contexts. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when 'gläubig' is used as a prefix or suffix in rare compound words. You can discuss the evolution of the concept of 'Glaube' in German intellectual history, from the Middle Ages to the present day. You are able to interpret the word's use in complex religious poetry or mystical texts. You can also identify and use rare synonyms or regional variations of the word. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the correct regional variations of the '-ig' suffix. You can write essays or give presentations that explore the psychological and sociological dimensions of what it means to be 'gläubig' in a post-secular world, using the word with the precision of a native speaker.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

gläubig en 30 secondes

Gläubig is a German adjective meaning 'faithful' or 'believing' in a religious context.
It is distinct from the verb 'glauben', which can mean 'to think' or 'to believe' in general information.
The word can be used as a noun ('der Gläubige') to refer to a believer.
It is a respectful and neutral term used across all CEFR levels to discuss spirituality.

The German adjective gläubig is a cornerstone of vocabulary for anyone wishing to discuss personal convictions, spirituality, or religious affiliation. At its core, it translates to 'believing' or 'faithful' in English, but its application in the German language carries specific nuances that distinguish it from the simple act of thinking something is true. While the verb glauben can mean 'to think' or 'to believe' in a general sense (e.g., 'Ich glaube, es regnet' - I think it's raining), the adjective gläubig is almost exclusively reserved for the realm of faith and religious devotion.

Religious Devotion: In most contexts, when you describe someone as gläubig, you are stating that they adhere to a religious faith and practice it with sincerity. It implies an internal state of conviction rather than just a formal membership in a church.

Meine Großmutter war eine sehr gläubige Frau, die jeden Sonntag in die Kirche ging.

Beyond the purely religious, the word can occasionally appear in compound forms or metaphorical contexts, but its primary function remains the description of a person's relationship with the divine or a set of spiritual principles. In modern Germany, which is increasingly secular, the word is used with respect but also serves as a clear descriptor for a demographic that actively participates in religious life.

Social Context: When meeting people in Germany, asking 'Bist du gläubig?' is a direct way to inquire about their religious stance. It is considered a personal question, reflecting the private nature of faith in Central European culture.

The word also functions as a noun when capitalized: der Gläubige (the believer) or die Gläubigen (the believers/the faithful). This is common in news reports or theological texts.

Die Gläubigen versammelten sich vor dem Dom.

Historically, the term has deep roots in the Reformation and the subsequent development of German identity, where 'gläubig' was often tied to specific denominations. Today, it is inclusive of all religions, whether one is a gläubiger Muslim, gläubiger Christ, or gläubiger Jude. Understanding this word helps learners navigate conversations about values, heritage, and identity in the German-speaking world.

Nuance of Sincerity: Calling someone gläubig often carries a connotation of respect for their steadfastness. It suggests that their actions are guided by their beliefs.

Obwohl er Wissenschaftler ist, bleibt er ein gläubiger Mensch.

In dieser Region sind die Menschen noch sehr gläubig.

Using gläubig correctly requires an understanding of German adjective declension and the specific contexts in which it appears. As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it describes in gender, number, and case.

Attributive Usage: When placed before a noun, it takes endings. For example: 'ein gläubiger Mann' (a faithful man), 'eine gläubige Frau' (a faithful woman), 'ein gläubiges Kind' (a faithful child). In the plural, it becomes 'gläubige Menschen'.

Wir besuchten eine gläubige Gemeinde im Schwarzwald.

When used predicatively (after a verb like sein), it does not take an ending. This is the simplest way for beginners to use the word.

Bist du gläubig? Nein, ich bin Atheist.

Adverbial Usage: While less common, it can describe how an action is performed, though usually other words like 'andächtig' (devoutly) are preferred. However, one can be 'tief gläubig' (deeply faithful), where 'tief' acts as an intensifying adverb.

Er ist ein tief gläubiger Katholik.

In more complex sentences, you might see gläubig paired with prepositions. For example, 'gläubig gegenüber Gott' (faithful towards God). It also appears in the negated form ungläubig, which can mean 'atheistic' or simply 'incredulous/disbelieving' in a non-religious sense (like looking at someone with an 'ungläubiger Blick').

Sie sah ihn mit einem ungläubigen Staunen an.

Comparatives and Superlatives: The comparative is 'gläubiger' and the superlative is 'am gläubigsten'. While you won't often compare people's levels of faith, it is grammatically possible: 'Er ist gläubiger als sein Bruder.'

In diesem Dorf wohnen die gläubigsten Menschen des Landes.

Understanding these patterns ensures that you use 'gläubig' naturally, whether describing a person's character or their specific religious intensity.

You will encounter gläubig in a variety of settings across the German-speaking world, from formal news broadcasts to intimate dinner conversations. In the media, especially during religious holidays like Ostern (Easter) or Weihnachten (Christmas), news anchors often report on the gatherings of the faithful.

Public Discourse: In debates about the role of the church in the state or the integration of different religious groups, 'gläubig' is the standard term to describe individuals who identify with a faith. It is a neutral, respectful term.

Tausende Gläubige pilgerten nach Altötting.

In literature, particularly in classic 19th-century German novels (like those by Theodor Fontane or Thomas Mann), 'gläubig' is used to define the moral landscape of characters. It often contrasts with the 'aufgeklärt' (enlightened) or 'weltlich' (worldly) characters.

Everyday Conversation: In personal settings, people use it to explain their lifestyle choices. For instance, 'Da wir gläubig sind, ist uns die kirchliche Trauung sehr wichtig' (Since we are faithful, a church wedding is very important to us).

Sind Ihre Eltern eigentlich gläubig?

You might also hear it in the context of 'Aberglaube' (superstition), where someone might be described as 'abergläubig' (superstitious). While related, 'gläubig' alone never implies superstition; it implies legitimate religious faith. In academic or sociological discussions, 'gläubig' is used to differentiate between 'nominal members' of a church (those who pay church tax but don't attend) and 'practicing believers'.

Nicht jeder, der Kirchensteuer zahlt, ist auch gläubig.

Film and Media: In historical dramas set in the Middle Ages or during the Reformation, the word is ubiquitous, reflecting the central role of faith in society at that time.

Ein gläubiger Ritter kämpfte für seine Überzeugungen.

Whether in a cathedral in Cologne or a small prayer room, 'gläubig' is the bridge between the individual and the infinite in German speech.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using gläubig when they simply mean they believe a piece of information. In English, 'I am believing' is not common, but 'I believe you' is. In German, you must use the verb glauben for this.

The 'Glauben' vs. 'Gläubig' Trap: Incorrect: 'Ich bin gläubig, dass es morgen regnet.' (I am faithful that it rains tomorrow). Correct: 'Ich glaube, dass es morgen regnet.' (I believe/think it will rain tomorrow).

Fehler: Er ist gläubig an die Wissenschaft. Richtig: Er glaubt an die Wissenschaft.

Another mistake is confusing gläubig with glaubhaft (credible) or glaubwürdig (trustworthy). If a witness in court is described as 'gläubig', it means they are a religious person, which may or may not be relevant. If they are 'glaubwürdig', it means the judge believes their testimony.

Adjective Endings: Learners often forget the endings when using 'gläubig' before a noun. 'Ein gläubig Mann' is wrong; it must be 'ein gläubiger Mann'.

Falsch: Eine gläubig Frau. Richtig: Eine gläubige Frau.

There is also the risk of overusing the word. In Germany, religious identity is often described by the specific denomination rather than the general adjective. Instead of saying 'Er ist gläubig', people might say 'Er ist praktizierender Katholik' (He is a practicing Catholic). Using 'gläubig' can sometimes sound a bit vague or overly poetic if used too often in clinical or strictly legal settings.

Pronunciation Error: The 'ig' ending in German is pronounced like a soft 'ich' sound (IPA: /ç/) in most regions. Pronouncing it like a hard 'ig' as in English 'pig' is a common giveaway of a foreign accent.

Achten Sie auf die Aussprache: gläu-bich.

Finally, be careful with the word 'gutgläubig'. While it sounds like 'good-believing', it actually means 'naive' or 'acting in good faith' (often in a legal context). It is not necessarily a compliment about one's religious standing.

To enrich your German, it's vital to know words that orbit the same semantic field as gläubig. Depending on the intensity or the specific flavor of faith you wish to describe, you might choose a different term.

Religiös vs. Gläubig: 'Religiös' is more formal and often refers to the outward adherence to religion or the general concept of religion. 'Gläubig' is more personal and refers to the internal conviction. You can be 'religiös' (belonging to a religion) without being particularly 'gläubig' (personally believing).

Er ist aus religiösen Gründen Vegetarier.

Another beautiful alternative is fromm. This word translates to 'pious' or 'devout'. It has a slightly old-fashioned or very traditional feel. It suggests a life lived in strict accordance with religious rules and a humble attitude toward God.

Fromm: Use 'fromm' when you want to emphasize the traditional, humble, and strictly observant nature of someone's faith.

Ein frommer Wunsch (a pious hope/wishful thinking) is a common idiom.

For someone who is very spiritual but perhaps not tied to a specific church, you might use spirituell. This is very common among younger generations in Germany. In a more negative or critical sense, you might encounter bigott (bigoted/hypocritically pious) or fanatisch (fanatical). These describe extremes of belief that are often viewed unfavorably. On the flip side, gottlos (godless) is the historical antonym, though today 'konfessionslos' (without denomination) or 'atheistisch' is more common.

Gottgläubig: This specific term was used historically (notably in the 1930s/40s) to describe someone who believed in God but was not part of an organized church. It is rarely used in modern conversation due to its historical baggage.

Sie ist nicht kirchlich gebunden, aber dennoch gläubig.

By choosing between 'gläubig', 'religiös', 'fromm', and 'spirituell', you can accurately describe the complex landscape of belief in the modern world.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root is the same as the English word 'believe'. The 'ge-' prefix in Old High German eventually merged into the 'g' we see today.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈɡlɔɪ̯bɪç/

US /ˈɡlɔɪ̯bɪɡ/

The stress is on the first syllable: GLÄU-big.

Rime avec

gläubig neubig (rare) reuig scheuig treuig (archaic) freuig zweig (near rhyme) teig (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'gläu' like 'glau' (rhyming with 'now'). It should rhyme with 'boy'.
Pronouncing the ending 'ig' as a hard 'ig' like in 'pig'.
Confusing the 'äu' sound with the 'eu' sound, though they sound identical, the spelling is different.
Mispelling it as 'glaubig' without the Umlaut.
Using a voiced 'b' too strongly at the end of the first syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'glauben'.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct adjective endings and Umlaut.

Expression orale 3/5

The '-ig' ending pronunciation needs practice.

Écoute 2/5

Clear sound, but don't confuse with 'glaub ich'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

glauben die Kirche der Mensch sein nicht

Apprends ensuite

die Religion fromm das Gebet der Gottesdienst die Seele

Avancé

die Theologie die Säkularisierung die Konfession das Dogma die Transzendenz

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Declension

Ein gläubigER Mann, eine gläubigE Frau.

Substantivized Adjectives

Der Gläubige (The believer).

Umlaut usage

Glauben (verb) -> Gläubig (adjective).

Pronunciation of -ig

Gläubig sounds like 'gläubich'.

Negation with un-

Ungläubig (unbelieving/incredulous).

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Exemples par niveau

Ich bin gläubig.

I am a believer.

Predicative use of the adjective.

Bist du gläubig?

Are you faithful?

Question form with 'sein'.

Meine Mutter ist sehr gläubig.

My mother is very faithful.

Use of intensifier 'sehr'.

Er ist nicht gläubig.

He is not a believer.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Wir sind gläubig.

We are faithful.

Plural subject.

Sie ist eine gläubige Frau.

She is a faithful woman.

Attributive use with feminine noun.

Das ist ein gläubiges Kind.

That is a faithful child.

Attributive use with neuter noun.

Sind sie gläubig?

Are they faithful?

Plural question.

Meine Großeltern sind sehr gläubig.

My grandparents are very religious.

Plural subject with intensifier.

Er ist ein gläubiger Mann.

He is a faithful man.

Adjective ending -er for masculine nominative.

Wir besuchen eine gläubige Gemeinde.

We are visiting a faithful congregation.

Adjective ending -e for feminine accusative.

Gläubige Menschen gehen oft in die Kirche.

Religious people often go to church.

Plural adjective ending -e.

Sie spricht mit einer gläubigen Freundin.

She is talking to a faithful friend.

Dative case ending -en.

In diesem Dorf wohnen viele gläubige Leute.

Many religious people live in this village.

Plural usage with 'viele'.

Ich kenne keinen gläubigen Menschen.

I don't know any religious person.

Accusative masculine ending -en.

Ist deine Familie gläubig?

Is your family religious?

Family as a singular collective noun.

Es ist wichtig, gläubige Menschen zu respektieren.

It is important to respect religious people.

Adjective used in an infinitive clause.

Er ist ein tief gläubiger Christ.

He is a deeply faithful Christian.

Compound description with 'tief'.

Trotz der modernen Welt bleibt sie gläubig.

Despite the modern world, she remains faithful.

Use of 'bleiben' as a linking verb.

Die Gläubigen versammelten sich zum Gebet.

The believers gathered for prayer.

Adjective used as a noun (substantiviert).

Bist du aus Überzeugung gläubig?

Are you faithful out of conviction?

Prepositional phrase 'aus Überzeugung'.

Sie ist streng gläubig erzogen worden.

She was raised strictly religious.

Passive voice with an adverbial adjective.

Viele Gläubige spenden für den Tempel.

Many believers donate to the temple.

Plural noun usage.

Ich bewundere seinen gläubigen Optimismus.

I admire his faithful optimism.

Abstract noun modified by 'gläubig'.

Die Zahl der gläubigen Bürger nimmt ab.

The number of faithful citizens is decreasing.

Genitive plural ending -en.

Er betrachtete das Wunder mit ungläubigen Augen.

He looked at the miracle with incredulous eyes.

Negated form used in a secular sense.

In einer säkularen Gesellschaft ist es oft schwer, gläubig zu sein.

In a secular society, it is often hard to be a believer.

Adjective in a complex sentence structure.

Der Artikel befasst sich mit den Rechten gläubiger Minderheiten.

The article deals with the rights of religious minorities.

Genitive plural without an article.

Obwohl er wissenschaftlich arbeitet, ist er dennoch gläubig.

Although he works scientifically, he is still a believer.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Die Zeremonie war für alle Gläubigen offen.

The ceremony was open to all believers.

Dative plural noun.

Sie führt ein gläubiges Leben fernab vom Konsum.

She leads a faithful life far from consumerism.

Accusative neuter ending -es.

Er ist gläubiger als man auf den ersten Blick denkt.

He is more faithful than one thinks at first glance.

Comparative form.

Die gläubige Hingabe der Pilger war beeindruckend.

The faithful devotion of the pilgrims was impressive.

High-level vocabulary like 'Hingabe'.

Er ist ein gläubiger Verfechter dieser Theorie.

He is a faithful advocate of this theory.

Metaphorical use in a non-religious context.

Das Werk spiegelt die gläubige Weltsicht des Autors wider.

The work reflects the author's faithful worldview.

Compound noun 'Weltsicht'.

Man muss nicht gläubig sein, um diese Kunst zu schätzen.

One doesn't have to be a believer to appreciate this art.

Infinitive construction with 'um...zu'.

Die Differenzierung zwischen 'religiös' und 'gläubig' ist essenziell.

The differentiation between 'religious' and 'faithful' is essential.

Academic context.

Ihre gläubige Art gibt ihr in Krisen Kraft.

Her faithful nature gives her strength in crises.

Abstract usage.

Es gibt eine wachsende Zahl an gläubigen Muslimen in Deutschland.

There is a growing number of faithful Muslims in Germany.

Dative plural after 'an'.

Er reagierte ungläubig auf die Nachricht.

He reacted incredulously to the news.

Adverbial use of the negation.

Die gläubige Unterwerfung unter das Schicksal ist ein zentrales Motiv.

Faithful submission to fate is a central motif.

Complex philosophical vocabulary.

In seinen späten Jahren wurde der Philosoph überraschend gläubig.

In his later years, the philosopher became surprisingly religious.

Narrative style.

Das Gedicht evoziert eine Atmosphäre gläubiger Stille.

The poem evokes an atmosphere of faithful silence.

Genitive feminine without article.

Es bedarf einer gläubigen Grundhaltung, um dieses Mysterium zu verstehen.

It requires a faithful basic attitude to understand this mystery.

Use of 'bedürfen' with genitive.

Die Radikalität seines gläubigen Eifers erschreckte viele.

The radicalism of his faithful zeal frightened many.

Genitive masculine with 'sein'.

Sie ist eine gläubige Seele, die in allem das Gute sieht.

She is a faithful soul who sees the good in everything.

Poetic expression 'gläubige Seele'.

Jenseits aller Dogmen blieb er ein gläubiger Mensch.

Beyond all dogmas, he remained a faithful person.

Prepositional phrase 'Jenseits aller Dogmen'.

Die Studie untersucht die Korrelation zwischen gläubiger Praxis und Wohlbefinden.

The study examines the correlation between faithful practice and well-being.

Highly formal academic language.

Collocations courantes

tief gläubig

streng gläubig

gläubiger Katholik

gläubiger Muslim

gläubiger Jude

gläubige Seele

gläubige Gemeinde

gläubiger Blick

gläubiges Vertrauen

gläubige Erwartung

Phrases Courantes

Ich bin gläubig.

— I have religious faith.

Auf die Frage nach seiner Religion antwortete er: 'Ich bin gläubig.'

Ein gläubiger Christ.

— A believing Christian.

Er lebt als gläubiger Christ in der Stadt.

Die Gläubigen.

— The faithful/The believers.

Die Gläubigen beten zusammen.

Nicht gläubig sein.

— To not be religious.

In meiner Familie sind viele nicht gläubig.

Tief gläubig sein.

— To be very religious.

Sie ist tief gläubig und betet jeden Tag.

Gläubig erzogen werden.

— To be raised in a religious way.

Ich wurde sehr gläubig erzogen.

Eine gläubige Minderheit.

— A religious minority.

Sie gehören einer gläubigen Minderheit an.

Gläubig bleiben.

— To remain faithful.

Trotz aller Probleme blieb er gläubig.

Wieder gläubig werden.

— To become religious again.

Nach dem Unfall wurde er wieder gläubig.

Gläubig gegenüber Gott.

— Faithful towards God.

Sie fühlt sich gläubig gegenüber Gott.

Souvent confondu avec

gläubig vs glaubwürdig

Means 'credible' or 'believable', not religious.

gläubig vs glaubhaft

Means 'plausible', often used for stories or evidence.

gläubig vs gutgläubig

Means 'naive' or 'in good faith', not necessarily religious.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Ein frommer Wunsch"

— A pious wish; something that is unlikely to happen.

Dass die Steuern sinken, ist wohl ein frommer Wunsch.

common

"Glauben versetzt Berge"

— Faith moves mountains.

Du musst nur fest daran glauben; Glauben versetzt Berge!

common

"An etwas gläubig festhalten"

— To hold onto something with deep conviction.

Er hielt gläubig an seinen Prinzipien fest.

literary

"Ein gläubiges Herz haben"

— To have a faithful heart.

Sie hat ein gläubiges Herz und hilft jedem.

poetic

"Vom Glauben abfallen"

— To lose one's faith; also used when someone is shocked.

Als ich die Preise sah, bin ich fast vom Glauben abgefallen.

informal

"Etwas in gutem Glauben tun"

— To do something in good faith.

Ich habe den Vertrag in gutem Glauben unterschrieben.

formal

"An den Weihnachtsmann glauben"

— To be naive (literally: to believe in Santa).

Du glaubst wohl noch an den Weihnachtsmann!

informal

"Rechtgläubig sein"

— To be orthodox in one's views.

In dieser Frage ist er sehr rechtgläubig.

formal

"Den Glauben an die Menschheit verlieren"

— To lose faith in humanity.

Nach diesen Nachrichten verliere ich den Glauben an die Menschheit.

common

"Gläubig wie ein Kind"

— To have a child-like, simple faith.

Er vertraute ihr gläubig wie ein Kind.

literary

Facile à confondre

gläubig vs glauben

It is the root verb.

Glauben is an action (to believe); gläubig is a state/trait (to be faithful).

Ich glaube dir, aber ich bin nicht gläubig.

gläubig vs leichtgläubig

Contains the word 'gläubig'.

Leichtgläubig means 'gullible' or 'easy to fool'.

Sei nicht so leichtgläubig!

gläubig vs fromm

Similar meaning.

Fromm is more about traditional, humble piety; gläubig is more general faith.

Sie ist eine fromme alte Dame.

gläubig vs religiös

Often used as a synonym.

Religiös often refers to the system/institution; gläubig to the personal feeling.

Aus religiösen Gründen is more common than aus gläubigen Gründen.

gläubig vs ungläubig

It's the opposite.

Can mean 'atheist' or just 'surprised/skeptical'.

Er sah mich ungläubig an.

Structures de phrases

Ich bin [adjective].

Ich bin gläubig.

Mein [noun] ist [adjective].

Mein Vater ist gläubig.

Ein [adjective]er [noun] [verb].

Ein gläubiger Mann betet.

[Noun] ist [adverb] [adjective].

Sie ist tief gläubig.

Obwohl [clause], ist [subject] [adjective].

Obwohl er jung ist, ist er sehr gläubig.

Die [adjective]e [noun] von [noun].

Die gläubige Hingabe der Menschen.

Es ist [adjective], dass [clause].

Es ist fraglich, ob er wirklich gläubig ist.

[Noun] zeugt von [adjective]er [noun].

Das Werk zeugt von gläubiger Tiefe.

Famille de mots

Noms

der Glaube

die Gläubigkeit

der Gläubige

der Abergläubige

Verbes

glauben

beglaubigen

verlauben (archaic)

Adjectifs

glaubhaft

glaubwürdig

abergläubisch

leichtgläubig

gutgläubig

Apparenté

die Religion

die Kirche

das Gebet

der Gott

die Spiritualität

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in religious and personal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Ich bin gläubig an dich. → Ich glaube an dich.
You cannot use the adjective 'gläubig' with an object. Use the verb 'glauben an' instead.
Ein gläubig Mann. → Ein gläubiger Mann.
Adjectives before a masculine noun in the nominative case need the '-er' ending.
Er ist sehr glaubig. → Er ist sehr gläubig.
The Umlaut 'ä' is mandatory. Without it, the word is misspelled and pronounced incorrectly.
Bist du religiös? Ja, ich bin glaubwürdig. → Ja, ich bin gläubig.
'Glaubwürdig' means 'credible' or 'trustworthy', not 'religious'.
Die Glaubigen beten. → Die Gläubigen beten.
When used as a noun, it must be capitalized and keep its Umlaut.

Astuces

Adjective Endings

Remember to add the correct endings when 'gläubig' is before a noun. Masculine: gläubiger, Feminine: gläubige, Neuter: gläubiges, Plural: gläubige.

The Soft 'CH'

Practice the ending of 'gläubig' by saying 'ich' first. The sound is identical. Avoid the hard 'g' sound if you want to sound like a native.

Verb vs Adjective

Use 'glauben' for the action of believing ('Ich glaube...') and 'gläubig' for the trait of being a believer ('Ich bin gläubig').

Privacy

In Germany, asking 'Bist du gläubig?' is a personal question. Use it in meaningful conversations rather than as small talk with strangers.

Glow-Big

Imagine a believer with a BIG GLOW. This helps you remember 'gläubig' rhymes with 'glow' (sort of) and starts with 'glau-'.

Intensity

Use 'tief gläubig' to describe someone whose faith is a very central part of their life. It's a very common collocation.

Gläubig vs Religiös

Think of 'religiös' as the 'what' (which religion) and 'gläubig' as the 'how much' (how sincere the belief is).

Substantivierung

When you use 'gläubig' as a noun (The Believer), capitalize it: 'Der Gläubige'. It follows the same declension rules as the adjective.

English Link

Remember that 'gläubig' and 'believe' share the same ancient root. This can help you remember the core meaning of trust and faith.

Ungläubig

Use 'ungläubig' not just for atheists, but also for someone who is looking at you with shock or disbelief. 'Er starrte mich ungläubig an.'

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'gläubig' as 'Glow-big'. When someone is faithful, they have a 'big glow' of spirit.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing in a beam of light from a church window, looking 'gläubig'.

Word Web

Glaube Kirche Gott beten fromm religiös Bibel Vertrauen

Défi

Try to describe three people you know using the word 'gläubig' or its negation 'nicht gläubig'.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'geloubic', from Old High German 'giloubīg'.

Sens originel : Originally meant 'having trust' or 'believing' in a broad sense.

Germanic / Indo-European.

Contexte culturel

Always use 'gläubig' respectfully; it is not a term of mockery.

English speakers might use 'religious', but 'gläubig' is often closer to 'faithful' or 'believing'.

Martin Luther's writings on 'Glaube'. The poem 'Der gläubige Pilger'. Modern news reports on 'Die Gläubigen' during the Pope's visit.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Personal Life

Ich bin gläubig.
Meine Familie ist nicht gläubig.
Bist du gläubig?
Er ist sehr gläubig.

News/Media

Die Gläubigen versammelten sich.
Ein gläubiger Jude.
Tausende Gläubige.
Gläubige Muslime.

Literature

Eine gläubige Seele.
In gläubiger Erwartung.
Ein gläubiges Herz.
Gläubige Hingabe.

Sociology

Die gläubige Bevölkerung.
Gläubige Minderheiten.
Religiös vs. gläubig.
Säkulare vs. gläubige.

Travel

Eine gläubige Region.
Traditionell gläubig.
Besuch einer gläubigen Gemeinde.
Gläubige Bräuche.

Amorces de conversation

"Würdest du dich selbst als gläubig bezeichnen?"

"Sind die Menschen in deinem Heimatland sehr gläubig?"

"Glaubst du, dass man gläubig sein muss, um moralisch zu handeln?"

"Wie wichtig ist es für dich, dass dein Partner gläubig ist?"

"Gibt es in deiner Familie viele gläubige Personen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine gläubige Person, die du bewunderst.

Was bedeutet es für dich, gläubig zu sein oder nicht gläubig zu sein?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der ein gläubiger Mensch dir geholfen hat.

Wie hat sich der Begriff 'gläubig' in der modernen Gesellschaft verändert?

Reflektiere über den Unterschied zwischen 'religiös' und 'gläubig'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Rarely. Sometimes it describes a very firm belief in an idea, like 'ein gläubiger Anhänger des Kapitalismus', but this is mostly metaphorical. Usually, it refers to religious faith.

'Religiös' is more formal and relates to the outward structure of religion. 'Gläubig' is more about the internal conviction. You can be a member of a religious group without being a 'gläubig' person.

In standard German (Hochdeutsch), it is pronounced like the 'ch' in 'ich'. In some southern dialects, it might sound more like a 'k' or 'g', but 'ich' is the standard.

Yes, it is generally neutral to positive. It implies sincerity. However, in very secular circles, it might be viewed with some distance, but it is never inherently an insult.

No, that is incorrect. You should say 'Ich glaube an Gott' (verb) or simply 'Ich bin gläubig' (adjective).

You use 'der Gläubige' for a male believer and 'die Gläubige' for a female believer. The plural is 'die Gläubigen'.

They are close, but 'fromm' has a more traditional, humble, and sometimes old-fashioned connotation. 'Gläubig' is the more modern and general term.

No, for 'gullible' you must use 'leichtgläubig'. 'Gläubig' on its own only refers to faith.

Yes, you can be a gläubiger Muslim, gläubiger Christ, gläubiger Jude, etc. It is not limited to Christianity.

Yes, it is the standard word to describe someone who has faith. You will hear it in conversations about values, family, and society.

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