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ungläubig

B1 adjective #6,500 가장 일반적인 16분 분량

ungläubig

상위 6,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 ungläubig 30초 만에

설명 ungläubig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't use 'ungläubig' very often, but you might hear it in very simple stories or movies. Think of it as a way to say someone is very, very surprised. At this stage, just remember that it comes from 'glauben' (to believe). If you see 'ungläubig', think: 'This person does not believe what is happening'. It's like saying 'No!' with your face. You don't need to worry about the religious meaning yet. Just focus on the idea of being shocked. For example, if a friend says they have ten cats, you might look at them 'ungläubig'. It's a useful word for showing emotion even if your vocabulary is still small. Just remember that it is an adjective, but we often use it to describe how someone looks or speaks without changing the ending (adverbial use).

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'ungläubig' to describe reactions in your own stories. When you talk about your weekend or a strange thing that happened to you, you can say 'Ich war ungläubig' (I was incredulous) or 'Er sah mich ungläubig an' (He looked at me incredulously). You should also begin to recognize the difference between 'glauben' (to believe) and 'ungläubig' (not believing). This is a good time to learn the phrase 'ungläubiger Thomas' (doubting Thomas), as it’s a common cultural reference. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'unglaublich', which you probably already know as 'unbelievable'. Remember: 'unglaublich' is for the story, 'ungläubig' is for the person hearing the story.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'ungläubig' confidently in both its adjective and adverb forms. You are now expected to describe emotions and reactions in more detail. In your writing and speaking exams, using 'ungläubig' instead of just 'überrascht' (surprised) shows a higher level of nuance. You should also understand its religious meaning—not having faith—though you should use it carefully in social situations. You'll encounter this word frequently in German news articles and B1-level reading texts, often describing how people react to unexpected events. Practice using it with verbs like 'ansehen', 'zuhören', and 'den Kopf schütteln' to make your German sound more natural and descriptive.

At the B2 level, you should understand the subtle differences between 'ungläubig', 'skeptisch', and 'misstrauisch'. You should be able to use 'ungläubig' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Mit einem ungläubigen Kopfschütteln verließ er den Raum'. You should also be aware of its historical and literary connotations. In B2 listening exercises, you might hear it used in a more abstract way, such as 'ein ungläubiges Zeitalter' (a faithless age), and you should be able to infer the meaning from the context. Your ability to use the word as a nominalized adjective ('der Ungläubige') should also be solid, particularly when discussing history or literature. You are now moving beyond just 'surprise' into the realm of 'conviction' and 'philosophy'.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the etymological and philosophical weight of 'ungläubig'. You can use it to discuss complex topics like the secularization of society or the psychological nature of disbelief. You should be able to recognize and use it in highly formal or literary contexts, such as 'Die ungläubige Ablehnung wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse' (The incredulous rejection of scientific findings). You should also be sensitive to the potential for 'ungläubig' to sound judgmental in religious contexts and know when to opt for more neutral terms like 'agnostisch' or 'konfessionslos'. Your use of the word should be precise, reflecting whether you are describing a momentary shock or a fundamental lack of belief system.

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At the C2 level, 'ungläubig' is a word you use with total mastery of its nuances, irony, and historical baggage. You can use it to create specific atmospheric effects in creative writing or to perform a detailed analysis of a text. You understand how the word has evolved from its Middle High German roots to its current status. You can use it in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps contrasting it with 'blindem Glauben' (blind faith) or 'fundamentaler Skepsis'. You are also fully aware of its usage in various German dialects or specialized fields like theology or philosophy. At this level, you don't just know what the word means; you know how it feels in different cultural and historical contexts and can deploy it with elegance and precision.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

ungläubig 30초 만에

Ungläubig primarily means 'incredulous' or 'disbelieving' in a reaction to news.
It also describes a person who lacks religious faith or conviction.
Grammatically, it functions as both an adjective and an undeclined adverb.
It is stronger than 'skeptisch' and implies a sense of shock or total rejection.

The German adjective ungläubig is a fascinating word that bridges the gap between deep-seated spiritual conviction and the immediate psychological reaction of shock or surprise. At its core, the word is derived from the noun der Glaube (faith/belief) and the negative prefix un-, essentially meaning 'not believing'. However, its application in modern German is bifurcated into two primary spheres: the religious and the secular. In a religious context, it describes someone who lacks faith in a deity or a specific religious doctrine. In secular, everyday conversation, it describes a state of incredulity or astonishment—the feeling you get when someone tells you something so outrageous that you simply cannot wrap your head around it. This duality makes it an essential word for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple descriptions of facts into the realm of expressing emotions and complex social stances.

Religious Context: Historically, 'ungläubig' was used to describe 'infidels' or those outside a specific faith. While still used this way in theological discussions, it is less common in polite modern society unless discussing historical texts or specific religious non-adherence.

Er starrte mich ungläubig an, als ich ihm von meinem Lottogewinn erzählte.

When you use 'ungläubig' to describe a person's reaction, you are painting a picture of wide eyes, a dropped jaw, and a mental refusal to accept a piece of information as true. It is more intense than 'skeptisch' (skeptical). While a skeptical person actively looks for flaws in an argument, an 'ungläubig' person is momentarily paralyzed by the impossibility of what they are seeing or hearing. It is often paired with verbs of perception like ansehen (to look at), zuhören (to listen to), or den Kopf schütteln (to shake one's head). This adverbial usage is perhaps the most frequent way you will encounter the word in contemporary German media, literature, and film.

Secular Reaction: In modern German, if you say 'Ich bin ungläubig', people might think you are talking about religion. But if you say 'Ich schaute ihn ungläubig an', it strictly means you were incredulous about what he said or did.

Die Menge reagierte ungläubig auf die Nachricht vom Rücktritt des Präsidenten.

Furthermore, the word carries a certain weight in philosophical contexts. It isn't just 'not believing' like a child doesn't believe in the tooth fairy; it often implies a lack of a foundational belief system. In the works of Nietzsche or other German philosophers, the 'ungläubige' person is one who has moved away from the traditional structures of the church. However, for a B1 learner, focus on the 'incredulous' aspect. Imagine you are watching a magic trick or hearing about a sudden price hike in your favorite cafe; your reaction is 'ungläubig'. It is a word that describes the friction between reality and expectation. It is also important to note that 'ungläubig' is different from 'glaubenslos'. While 'glaubenslos' is a neutral description of having no faith, 'ungläubig' can sometimes carry a historical sting or a more active sense of rejection, depending on the context.

Emotional Range: The word can range from positive amazement (winning a prize) to negative horror (hearing about a disaster). It is the 'I can't believe it' of the German language condensed into a single adjective.

Mit einem ungläubigen Lächeln nahm sie den Pokal entgegen.

Bist du wirklich so ungläubig, was die Wissenschaft betrifft?

In summary, 'ungläubig' is a versatile tool in your German vocabulary. It allows you to describe both a permanent state of being (someone who does not believe in a religion) and a fleeting, intense emotional reaction (someone who is stunned by news). Mastering its use, especially as an adverb to describe how someone looks or speaks, will significantly elevate your narrative skills in German. Whether you are reading a novel where a character reacts to a plot twist or you are discussing your own lack of religious faith, this word provides the necessary nuance to convey a deep-seated 'lack of belief' that is more than just a simple 'no'. It is a word of depth, history, and visceral reaction.

Using 'ungläubig' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As an adjective, it must decline according to the gender, case, and number of the noun it modifies. For example, 'ein ungläubiger Blick' (an incredulous look) uses the masculine nominative ending '-er'. However, its most common use in B1 and B2 level German is as an adverb, where it remains undeclined. In the sentence 'Er schaute mich ungläubig an', the word 'ungläubig' describes the manner of the action 'anschauen'. This is a key distinction for learners: adjectives modify things, adverbs modify actions. When 'ungläubig' is used as an adverb, it translates most naturally to 'incredulously' or 'disbelievingly'.

Adjectival Use: Requires endings: Ein ungläubiger Thomas (a doubting Thomas), eine ungläubige Reaktion (an incredulous reaction).

Seine ungläubige Miene verriet seine Überraschung.

Another important aspect of using 'ungläubig' is its placement in the sentence. In German, adverbs of manner usually come after the verb and any direct objects, but before prepositional phrases or directional markers. For instance, 'Sie hörte ihm ungläubig zu' (She listened to him incredulously). If you want to emphasize the disbelief, you might move it to the front: 'Ungläubig starrte er auf das Display'. This inversion is common in storytelling and journalism to create drama. Learners should also be aware of the difference between being 'ungläubig' (not believing) and 'glaubwürdig' (believable/credible). They are opposites in terms of the quality of information versus the state of the person receiving it.

Adverbial Use: No endings: Er lachte ungläubig. (He laughed incredulously.) Sie fragte ungläubig nach. (She asked again, disbelievingly.)

Warum bist du so ungläubig, wenn ich dir die Wahrheit sage?

In more advanced contexts, 'ungläubig' can be used to describe an entire group or a historical epoch. For example, 'ein ungläubiges Zeitalter' (a faithless age). Here, the word takes on a broader sociological meaning. When writing, try to pair 'ungläubig' with strong verbs. Instead of just saying 'Er war ungläubig', try 'Er schüttelte ungläubig den Kopf' or 'Sie riss ungläubig die Augen auf'. These combinations are common collocations that make your German sound more natural and idiomatic. Also, pay attention to the difference between 'ungläubig' and 'zweifelnd'. While 'zweifelnd' implies a conscious process of doubting, 'ungläubig' is often an involuntary reaction to something that seems impossible.

Common Verb Pairings: ungläubig staunen (to marvel incredulously), ungläubig blicken (to look incredulously), ungläubig fragen (to ask incredulously).

Die Zeugen berichteten ungläubig von dem Vorfall.

Er konnte ungläubiger nicht sein, als er das Ergebnis sah.

Finally, consider the comparative and superlative forms: 'ungläubiger' and 'am ungläubigsten'. While you won't use these every day, they are useful when comparing reactions: 'Niemand war ungläubiger als der Chef selbst' (No one was more incredulous than the boss himself). This demonstrates that 'ungläubig' is a gradable adjective—one can be more or less incredulous depending on the magnitude of the surprise. In summary, 'ungläubig' is a versatile word that functions as both a descriptor of a person's lack of faith and a powerful adverb for expressing extreme surprise or shock in a narrative or conversational setting.

In the modern German-speaking world, you are most likely to encounter 'ungläubig' in news reports, literature, and everyday conversations involving surprising news. In the media, journalists often use it to describe the public's reaction to political scandals, scientific breakthroughs, or unexpected sports results. For example, if an underdog team wins the Bundesliga, the headlines might read: 'Die Fans rieben sich ungläubig die Augen' (The fans rubbed their eyes in disbelief). This specific phrase—sich die Augen ungläubig reiben—is a very common idiom that you will hear on TV and read in newspapers. It perfectly captures the physical manifestation of the word's meaning.

In Journalism: Used to describe mass reactions to shocking events: 'Die Welt blickte ungläubig auf die Ereignisse'.

„Das kann doch nicht wahr sein!“, rief er ungläubig.

In everyday life, you'll hear it in social circles when someone shares a piece of gossip or an unbelievable personal story. If you tell a friend that you met a celebrity at the supermarket, they might respond with: 'Bist du sicher? Ich bin da etwas ungläubig'. In this context, it’s a polite way of saying 'I don't quite believe you' without being too confrontational. It shifts the focus from the speaker's potential lying to the listener's state of mind. You'll also hear it in movies and TV shows, particularly in crime dramas (Krimis) when a detective presents a shocking piece of evidence and the suspect reacts 'ungläubig'. It’s a word that adds a layer of psychological depth to a scene.

In Literature: Authors use it to describe character reactions: 'Sie las den Brief mit ungläubigem Staunen'.

„Du hast gewonnen?“, fragte sie mit ungläubigem Unterton.

Another setting where 'ungläubig' appears is in the context of scientific or historical skepticism. When a new theory is proposed that contradicts centuries of established knowledge, the initial reaction of the scientific community is often described as 'ungläubig'. This isn't just about religion; it's about the resistance of the mind to new, paradigm-shifting information. In historical documentaries, you might hear about 'die ungläubigen Zeitgenossen' (the incredulous contemporaries) who didn't believe the Earth was round or that flight was possible. This usage highlights the word's role in describing the human experience of encountering the 'impossible'.

In Science/History: Describes the initial rejection of revolutionary ideas: 'Zuerst reagierte die Fachwelt ungläubig'.

Die Forscher standen ungläubig vor den Ruinen.

Ein ungläubiges Raunen ging durch den Saal.

Finally, while less common in secular Germany, you will still hear the word in religious or interfaith dialogues. However, it’s often replaced by more specific terms like 'konfessionslos' (without denomination) or 'atheistisch' (atheist) in formal settings to avoid the slightly archaic or judgmental tone that 'ungläubig' can sometimes carry in a theological context. Nonetheless, in literature and historical discussions, the 'Ungläubige' (the infidel/unbeliever) remains a standard term. Understanding these different environments—from the excitement of a football stadium to the tension of a courtroom or the quiet of a library—will help you recognize 'ungläubig' as a versatile and emotionally charged part of the German language.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'ungläubig' is confusing it with 'unglaublich'. While they sound similar and both deal with the concept of belief, they function differently in a sentence. 'Unglaublich' means 'unbelievable' or 'incredible' and is used to describe an object or an event (e.g., 'Das ist ein unglaublicher Film'). 'Ungläubig', on the other hand, describes the *person* who is doing the (non)believing or their *reaction* (e.g., 'Er schaute mich ungläubig an'). You cannot say 'Ich bin unglaublich' if you mean you don't believe something; that would mean 'I am incredible' (which might be true, but it's not what you're trying to say!).

Ungläubig vs. Unglaublich: Ungläubig = The person doesn't believe. Unglaublich = The thing is hard to believe.

Falsch: Die Geschichte ist ungläubig. Richtig: Die Geschichte ist unglaublich.

Another common error is using 'ungläubig' when 'skeptisch' (skeptical) would be more appropriate. While they are related, 'ungläubig' is much stronger. If you are 'skeptisch', you have doubts and are looking for proof. If you are 'ungläubig', you are in a state of shock or total rejection of the information. Using 'ungläubig' for a minor doubt can sound overly dramatic. For instance, if you're not sure if it will rain, you are 'skeptisch' about the weather forecast, not 'ungläubig' (unless the forecast says it will rain frogs). Beginners also often forget to decline the adjective when it precedes a noun, or they accidentally decline it when it's functioning as an adverb. Remember: 'ein ungläubiger Blick' (adjective) vs. 'er blickte ungläubig' (adverb).

Ungläubig vs. Skeptisch: Skeptisch = Intellectual doubt. Ungläubig = Emotional/total disbelief or lack of faith.

Er ist ein ungläubiger Mensch (religious context) vs. Er blickte ungläubig (reaction).

In a religious context, calling someone 'ungläubig' can be sensitive. Historically, it was a derogatory term for someone who didn't follow the 'right' faith. In modern German, using it to describe someone's religious status can sound a bit old-fashioned or even slightly offensive depending on the tone. It’s safer to use 'konfessionslos' (without a confession/denomination) or 'nicht religiös' (not religious) unless you are specifically discussing theology or historical contexts. Misusing this can lead to social awkwardness. Finally, avoid using 'ungläubig' to mean 'unreliable' (unzuverlässig). Just because someone doesn't believe something doesn't mean they themselves cannot be trusted. These nuances are vital for moving from a basic understanding to a more sophisticated use of the language.

Social Sensitivity: Avoid 'ungläubig' as a label for people in neutral social settings. Use 'nicht gläubig' or 'konfessionslos' instead.

Falsch: Er ist ungläubig (as a neutral descriptor of an atheist in a casual chat). Besser: Er ist nicht religiös.

Die Ungläubigen wurden aus dem Tempel gewiesen (historical/literary).

To sum up, the most critical mistakes are: 1) Confusing 'ungläubig' (person) with 'unglaublich' (thing), 2) Using it for mild skepticism, 3) Incorrect adjective endings, and 4) Using it as a potentially offensive label for non-religious people. By keeping these in mind, you can use the word accurately and effectively to describe those moments of pure astonishment that we all experience. Always ask yourself: 'Am I describing the person's reaction or the event itself?' This simple question will help you choose between 'ungläubig' and its cousins every time.

To truly master 'ungläubig', it’s helpful to understand its place within a constellation of related German words. Each alternative carries a slightly different shade of meaning. For example, **skeptisch** (skeptical) is the most common alternative. While 'ungläubig' implies a sudden shock or a lack of religious faith, 'skeptisch' implies a rational, questioning attitude. You are 'skeptisch' about a political promise, but you are 'ungläubig' when you see a UFO. Another close relative is **misstrauisch** (suspicious). This word adds a layer of caution or fear. If you are 'misstrauisch', you think someone might be trying to trick you. 'Ungläubig' doesn't necessarily imply that someone is lying; it just means you can't believe what you're seeing.

ungläubig vs. skeptisch: Ungläubig is emotional and absolute. Skeptisch is intellectual and investigative.
ungläubig vs. misstrauisch: Misstrauisch implies a lack of trust in the person. Ungläubig implies a lack of belief in the fact.

Sie war skeptisch gegenüber dem neuen Plan.

Then there is **fassungslos** (stunned/speechless). This is even stronger than 'ungläubig'. If you are 'fassungslos', you have lost your 'Fassung' (composure) entirely. It’s often used for tragic or extremely shocking news where words fail you. 'Ungläubig' is the state of not believing; 'fassungslos' is the state of being overwhelmed by what you have to believe. On the other hand, **zweifelnd** (doubting) is more of a process. It’s the present participle of 'zweifeln' (to doubt) and describes someone who is in the middle of weighing the truth of something. It’s less about the reaction and more about the ongoing mental state.

ungläubig vs. fassungslos: Ungläubig = 'I don't believe it.' Fassungslos = 'I can't process this; I'm in shock.'
ungläubig vs. zweifelnd: Zweifelnd is a state of uncertainty. Ungläubig is a state of active non-belief.

Sein Geständnis wurde mit Unglauben aufgenommen.

In a religious context, alternatives include **konfessionslos** (non-denominational), **atheistisch** (atheist), and **agnostisch** (agnostic). These are much more precise and neutral than 'ungläubig'. If you are filling out an official form or describing someone's worldview in a professional setting, these are the words you should use. 'Ungläubig' in religion often carries a binary 'us vs. them' connotation which is usually avoided in modern pluralistic societies. Lastly, consider **erstaunt** (astonished) or **verblüfft** (amazed). These are positive or neutral versions of 'ungläubig'. If you are pleasantly surprised, you are 'erstaunt'. If you can't believe it because it's so amazing, you are 'ungläubig' but in a good way.

ungläubig vs. konfessionslos: Konfessionslos is a formal status. Ungläubig is a personal or historical descriptor.

Er ist offiziell konfessionslos.

Ich war verblüfft über seine schnelle Antwort.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact right word for the situation. If you want to convey the specific 'I-can't-believe-my-eyes' feeling, 'ungläubig' is your best friend. If you want to describe a careful investigator, go with 'skeptisch'. If you're talking about someone's official religion, use 'konfessionslos'. This precision is what separates a B1 learner from a B2 or C1 speaker. By expanding your synonym bank, you not only avoid repetition but also become more expressive and accurate in your German communication.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'Glaube' is related to the English word 'believe' and 'leave' (in the sense of 'lief' or 'dear'). It literally means 'to hold dear'.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈʊnˌɡlɔɪ̯bɪç/

US /ˈʊnˌɡlɔɪ̯bɪk/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'UN-', secondary stress on the second syllable '-GLÄU-'.

라임이 맞는 단어

gläubig neugierig (slant) traurig (slant) reueig scheueig freudig (slant) läufig häufig

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'äu' as 'ow' instead of 'oy'.
Stress on the second syllable instead of the first.
Pronouncing the 'g' at the end like 'g' in 'go' instead of the soft 'ch' sound.
Confusing the vowel length of 'u'.
Missing the 'l' after the 'g'.

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in literature and news, but requires distinguishing from 'unglaublich'.

쓰기 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and understanding of adverbial use.

말하기 3/5

Useful for expressing emotion, but pronunciation of 'äu' can be tricky.

듣기 3/5

Easily recognized once the root 'glauben' is known.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

glauben der Glaube nicht sehen wahr

다음에 배울 것

fassungslos skeptisch die Überzeugung zweifeln die Skepsis

고급

agnostisch dogmatisch säkular die Ketzerei das Sakrileg

알아야 할 문법

Adjective Endings

Ein ungläubig**er** Mann (Masculine Nominative).

Adverbial Usage

Er blickt ungläubig (No ending for adverbs).

Nominalization

Der Ungläubige (Capitalized, follows adjective declension).

Prefix 'un-'

Un- + gläubig (Negation of the root word).

Dative after 'mit'

Mit ungläubig**em** Staunen.

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수준별 예문

Er schaut ungläubig.

He looks incredulous.

Used as an adverb here.

Ich bin ungläubig.

I don't believe it.

Predicate adjective.

Sie sagt: „Nein!“ Sie ist ungläubig.

She says 'No!' She is incredulous.

Simple sentence.

Das Kind ist ungläubig.

The child is incredulous.

Subject-Verb-Adjective.

Bist du ungläubig?

Are you incredulous?

Question form.

Er hört ungläubig zu.

He listens incredulously.

Adverbial use.

Wir sind alle ungläubig.

We are all incredulous.

Plural subject.

Sie sieht mich ungläubig an.

She looks at me incredulously.

Separable verb 'ansehen'.

Er schüttelte ungläubig den Kopf.

He shook his head incredulously.

Common collocation.

Ich konnte es ungläubig kaum fassen.

I could hardly believe it, incredulously.

Used with 'kaum fassen'.

Seine Reaktion war ungläubig.

His reaction was incredulous.

Adjective as predicate.

Sie lachte ungläubig über den Witz.

She laughed incredulously at the joke.

Adverbial use.

Warum schaust du so ungläubig?

Why are you looking so incredulous?

Question with 'so'.

Der ungläubige Mann sagte nichts.

The incredulous man said nothing.

Adjective with ending -e.

Wir lasen die Nachricht ungläubig.

We read the news incredulously.

Past tense 'lasen'.

Bist du ein ungläubiger Thomas?

Are you a doubting Thomas?

Idiomatic expression.

Sie starrte die Lottozahlen ungläubig an.

She stared at the lottery numbers incredulously.

Accusative object 'die Lottozahlen'.

Mit ungläubigem Staunen betrachtete er das Kunstwerk.

With incredulous amazement, he looked at the artwork.

Dative case after 'mit'.

Er ist ein ungläubiger Mensch, er braucht Beweise.

He is an unbelieving person; he needs proof.

Religious/General belief context.

Die Menge reagierte ungläubig auf das Tor.

The crowd reacted incredulously to the goal.

Preposition 'auf' + Accusative.

Ich fragte ungläubig nach, ob das stimme.

I asked incredulously whether that was true.

Subjunctive I 'stimme' for reported speech.

Sein ungläubiger Blick sprach Bände.

His incredulous look spoke volumes.

Masculine nominative ending -er.

Ungläubig rieb er sich die Augen.

Incredulously, he rubbed his eyes.

Sentence-initial adverb for emphasis.

Sie konnte ihre ungläubige Freude nicht verstecken.

She couldn't hide her incredulous joy.

Adjective modifying 'Freude'.

In einem ungläubigen Zeitalter suchen viele nach Sinn.

In a faithless age, many seek meaning.

Abstract usage.

Er weigerte sich, die ungläubigen Kommentare zu lesen.

He refused to read the incredulous comments.

Plural accusative adjective ending -en.

Trotz der Beweise blieb die Öffentlichkeit ungläubig.

Despite the evidence, the public remained incredulous.

Genitive preposition 'trotz'.

Sie ist weder religiös noch ungläubig, sie ist agnostisch.

She is neither religious nor unbelieving; she is agnostic.

Comparison of spiritual states.

Sein ungläubiges Lachen klang etwas bitter.

His incredulous laughter sounded a bit bitter.

Neuter nominative ending -es.

Ungläubig vernahm er die Nachricht von seinem Erbe.

He heard the news of his inheritance incredulously.

Elevated verb 'vernehmen'.

Die Fachwelt blickte ungläubig auf seine Entdeckung.

The professional world looked incredulously at his discovery.

Collective noun 'Fachwelt'.

Man sah ihm seine ungläubige Haltung deutlich an.

One could clearly see his incredulous attitude.

Separable verb 'ansehen' with dative 'ihm'.

Die ungläubige Ablehnung der Theorie verzögerte den Fortschritt.

The incredulous rejection of the theory delayed progress.

Nominalized verb 'Ablehnung'.

Er begegnete dem neuen Dogma mit ungläubiger Distanz.

He met the new dogma with incredulous distance.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'Dogma', 'Distanz'.

Das ungläubige Staunen wich bald der nackten Angst.

The incredulous amazement soon gave way to naked fear.

Narrative flow 'wich... der'.

In literarischen Werken wird der Ungläubige oft als tragische Figur dargestellt.

In literary works, the unbeliever is often portrayed as a tragic figure.

Nominalized adjective 'der Ungläubige'.

Ihre ungläubige Miene zeugte von tiefem Misstrauen.

Her incredulous expression bore witness to deep mistrust.

Verb 'zeugen von' + dative.

Ungläubig ob der Dreistigkeit seines Gegenübers, schwieg er.

Incredulous at the audacity of his counterpart, he remained silent.

Genitive construction with 'ob' (archaic/elevated).

Die ungläubige Reaktion der Börse war vorauszusehen.

The stock market's incredulous reaction was foreseeable.

Gerundive construction 'war vorauszusehen'.

Er analysierte die ungläubigen Strömungen der Aufklärung.

He analyzed the unbelieving currents of the Enlightenment.

Historical/Academic context.

Seine ungläubige Attitüde war lediglich eine Maske für seine Unsicherheit.

His incredulous attitude was merely a mask for his insecurity.

Sophisticated loanword 'Attitüde'.

Die ungläubige Verwunderung über das Paradoxon hielt an.

The incredulous wonder at the paradox persisted.

Abstract noun 'Verwunderung'.

Er oszillierte zwischen blindem Eifer und ungläubiger Resignation.

He oscillated between blind zeal and incredulous resignation.

High-level verb 'oszillieren'.

Die ungläubige Rezeption des Werkes änderte sich erst postum.

The incredulous reception of the work only changed posthumously.

Latinate term 'postum'.

Mit einer an Hochmut grenzenden ungläubigen Gebärde wies er ihn ab.

With an incredulous gesture bordering on arrogance, he dismissed him.

Complex prepositional phrase.

Die ungläubige Skepsis der Moderne ist ein zentrales Thema seiner Lyrik.

The incredulous skepticism of modernity is a central theme of his poetry.

Genitive attributes.

Er verharrte in ungläubigem Schweigen, während die Welt um ihn her versank.

He remained in incredulous silence while the world sank around him.

Elevated verb 'verharren'.

Ungläubig, wie er war, konnte er das Wunder nicht als solches anerkennen.

Incredulous as he was, he could not recognize the miracle as such.

Appositive construction.

자주 쓰는 조합

ungläubig staunen

ungläubig den Kopf schütteln

ungläubiger Blick

ungläubig nachfragen

ungläubiges Lachen

sich die Augen ungläubig reiben

ungläubige Miene

ungläubig zuhören

ungläubig ansehen

ungläubiges Staunen

자주 쓰는 구문

Ein ungläubiger Thomas

— Someone who needs physical proof to believe something.

Sei kein ungläubiger Thomas, es ist wahr!

Ungläubig dreinschauen

— To have an incredulous look on one's face.

Warum schaust du so ungläubig drein?

Jemanden ungläubig mustern

— To examine someone with disbelief.

Der Lehrer musterte den Schüler ungläubig.

Ungläubig den Mund offen stehen lassen

— To be so shocked that one's mouth stays open.

Sie ließ ungläubig den Mund offen stehen.

Unglauben ernten

— To be met with disbelief from others.

Seine Theorie erntete zunächst nur Unglauben.

Ungläubig abwinken

— To dismiss something with a gesture of disbelief.

Er winkte ungläubig ab, als ich ihn warnte.

Ein ungläubiges Raunen

— A collective murmur of disbelief from a crowd.

Ein ungläubiges Raunen ging durch die Menge.

Ungläubig innehalten

— To pause because one cannot believe what is happening.

Er hielt ungläubig inne, als er das Schild sah.

Sich ungläubig vergewissern

— To check something again because of disbelief.

Er vergewisserte sich ungläubig, ob die Tür zu war.

Ungläubig auflachen

— To burst into a short, disbelieving laugh.

Sie lachte ungläubig auf, als sie den Preis hörte.

자주 혼동되는 단어

ungläubig vs unglaublich

Unglaublich describes the thing (unbelievable), ungläubig describes the person (incredulous).

ungläubig vs skeptisch

Skeptisch is rational doubt, ungläubig is emotional shock or lack of faith.

ungläubig vs glaubwürdig

Glaubwürdig means credible/believable, which is the opposite quality of an information.

관용어 및 표현

"sich die Augen ungläubig reiben"

— To be so surprised that one thinks they are dreaming.

Ich rieb mir ungläubig die Augen, als ich ihn sah.

informal

"ungläubiger Thomas"

— A person who refuses to believe without direct experience.

Er ist ein echter ungläubiger Thomas.

neutral

"ungläubig aus der Wäsche schauen"

— To look completely baffled or dumbfounded.

Er schaute ganz ungläubig aus der Wäsche.

informal

"mit ungläubigem Staunen"

— In a state of pure, shocked amazement.

Er betrachtete das Wunder mit ungläubigem Staunen.

literary

"einen ungläubigen Blick zuwerfen"

— To cast a look of disbelief at someone.

Sie warf ihm einen ungläubigen Blick zu.

neutral

"ungläubig den Kopf wiegen"

— To tilt/shake one's head slowly in disbelief.

Der Richter wiegte ungläubig den Kopf.

literary

"ungläubig verstummen"

— To fall silent because of shock.

Die Zeugen verstummten ungläubig.

neutral

"ungläubig die Stirn runzeln"

— To frown in disbelief.

Er runzelte ungläubig die Stirn über den Brief.

neutral

"ein ungläubiges Gesicht machen"

— To pull a face of disbelief.

Mach doch nicht so ein ungläubiges Gesicht!

informal

"ungläubig den Atem anhalten"

— To hold one's breath in shock.

Die Zuschauer hielten ungläubig den Atem an.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

ungläubig vs unglaublich

Similar sound and root.

Unglaublich is for objects/events; ungläubig is for people/reactions.

Das ist unglaublich (thing)! Ich bin ungläubig (person)!

ungläubig vs leichtgläubig

Same root word.

Leichtgläubig means gullible (believes too easily).

Er ist sehr leichtgläubig und glaubt alles.

ungläubig vs glaubhaft

Same root word.

Glaubhaft means plausible or believable.

Seine Geschichte klingt nicht glaubhaft.

ungläubig vs glaubwürdig

Same root word.

Glaubwürdig means trustworthy or credible (for persons or sources).

Der Zeuge ist sehr glaubwürdig.

ungläubig vs gläubig

Antonym with the same root.

Gläubig means having faith (usually religious).

Sie ist eine sehr gläubige Frau.

문장 패턴

Ich bin [Adjektiv].

Ich bin ungläubig.

Er/Sie [Verb] [Adverb].

Er schaute ungläubig.

Mit [Dative Adjective] [Noun]...

Mit ungläubigem Blick sah er mich an.

Warum bist du so [Adjektiv]?

Warum bist du so ungläubig?

Es war ein [Adjektiv] [Noun].

Es war ein ungläubiger Moment.

[Adverb], wie er/sie war, [Verb]...

Ungläubig, wie er war, schüttelte er den Kopf.

Der/Die [Nominalized Adjective]...

Der Ungläubige wollte Beweise sehen.

In [Adjective] [Noun]...

In ungläubiger Erwartung verharrte die Menge.

어휘 가족

명사

der Glaube

der Unglaube

der Gläubige

der Ungläubige

die Glaubwürdigkeit

동사

glauben

beglaubigen

verabfolgen (related context)

missglauben

ungläubig sein

형용사

gläubig

glaubhaft

glaubwürdig

unglaublich

leichtgläubig

사용법

frequency

Common in written and spoken German.

자주 하는 실수

Das ist eine ungläubige Geschichte. → Das ist eine unglaubliche Geschichte.
Stories are 'unglaublich' (unbelievable). People are 'ungläubig'.
Ich bin unglaublich, dass er gewonnen hat. → Ich bin ungläubig, dass er gewonnen hat.
'Unglaublich' means 'I am incredible'. 'Ungläubig' means 'I don't believe it'.
Er ist ein ungläubig Thomas. → Er ist ein ungläubiger Thomas.
Adjectives before a noun need an ending (Masculine Nominative -er).
Sie schaute mich ungläubige an. → Sie schaute mich ungläubig an.
Adverbs of manner do not take adjective endings.
Er ist ungläubig (meaning he is a liar). → Er ist unglaubwürdig.
'Ungläubig' means he doesn't believe. 'Unglaubwürdig' means he is not believable.

팁

Adverb vs Adjective

If you describe *how* someone looks, don't add an ending: 'Er guckt ungläubig'. If you describe the look itself, add an ending: 'Ein ungläubiger Blick'.

Learn Collocations

Pair it with 'Kopf schütteln' or 'staunen' to sound like a native speaker immediately.

Religious Sensitivity

Use 'konfessionslos' for official matters and 'ungläubig' for storytelling or describing surprise.

The 'Thomas' Trick

Remember the 'ungläubiger Thomas' to keep the meaning of 'disbeliever' in your head.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'He was surprised', say 'Er starrte sie ungläubig an' to create a more vivid image.

Intonation

Raise your voice slightly on the 'UN-' to emphasize your shock when speaking.

Differentiate

Train your ear to hear the difference between 'ungläubig' and 'unglaublich' in fast sentences.

Variety

Mix 'ungläubig' with 'fassungslos' and 'skeptisch' in your essays to show range.

Avoid 'Das ist ungläubig'

Never use 'ungläubig' for things. A story cannot be 'ungläubig', only the person reading it can.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'UN-' (not) + 'GLAUBEN' (believe) + '-IG' (adjective ending). If you are UN-GLAUB-IG, you are UN-able to believe.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person looking at a flying pig. Their face is 'ungläubig'.

Word Web

Glaube glauben Unglaube unglaublich gläubig leichtgläubig Glaubwürdigkeit beglaubigen

챌린지

Try to use 'ungläubig' as an adverb in three different sentences describing reactions to a surprise party.

어원

Derived from the Middle High German 'ungloubic', which comes from the Old High German 'ungiloubī'. It is composed of the negative prefix 'un-' and the adjective 'gläubig' (faithful/believing).

원래 의미: Originally, it meant 'not having the right faith' or 'disloyal' in a religious sense.

Germanic (Indo-European).

문화적 맥락

Be careful using 'ungläubig' to describe someone's religion; it can sound like you are judging them for not having faith. Use 'konfessionslos' for a neutral description.

Similar to 'incredulous'. English speakers often use 'unbelieving', but 'incredulous' is the closer emotional match.

The biblical story of Doubting Thomas. Nietzsche's discussions on the 'death of God' and the 'ungläubige' modern man. German news headlines during the 2014 World Cup 7-1 win against Brazil.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Reacting to a surprise

Ich bin ungläubig.
Ungläubig staunen.
Das ist ungläubig (wrong - use unglaublich).
Ein ungläubiger Blick.

Religious discussion

Ein ungläubiger Mensch.
Ich bin nicht gläubig.
Die Ungläubigen.
An Gott glauben.

Reading the news

Ungläubige Reaktionen.
Die Menge war ungläubig.
Ungläubig den Kopf schütteln.
Berichte wurden ungläubig aufgenommen.

Scientific discovery

Die Forscher waren ungläubig.
Ungläubige Skepsis.
Zuerst herrschte Unglaube.
Etwas ungläubig prüfen.

Personal gossip

Frag nicht so ungläubig!
Ich schaute ihn ungläubig an.
Sie lachte ungläubig.
Sei kein ungläubiger Thomas.

대화 시작하기

"Warst du schon mal so ungläubig, dass du dir die Augen reiben musstest?"

"Warum reagieren Menschen oft ungläubig auf neue wissenschaftliche Fakten?"

"Bist du eher ein gläubiger oder ein ungläubiger Mensch, wenn es um Horoskope geht?"

"Was war die ungläubigste Nachricht, die du diese Woche gehört hast?"

"Kennst du jemanden, der ein echter 'ungläubiger Thomas' ist?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du jemanden ungläubig angesehen hast. Was ist passiert?

Ist es in der heutigen Zeit einfacher oder schwerer, ungläubig zu sein?

Schreibe eine Geschichte über einen ungläubigen Thomas, der ein Wunder erlebt.

Reflektiere über den Unterschied zwischen 'ungläubig' und 'skeptisch' in deinem eigenen Leben.

Wie fühlt es sich an, wenn man mit ungläubigem Staunen auf die Welt blickt?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, that is a common mistake. 'Incredible' is 'unglaublich'. 'Ungläubig' always refers to the person who does not believe.

In a religious context, it can be. Historically it meant 'infidel'. In a modern secular context, it's just a description of surprise and is not offensive.

It is an idiom for someone who needs to see proof before they believe something, based on the biblical Apostle Thomas.

You could say 'Ich bin ungläubig', but it's more natural to say 'Ich schaue dich ungläubig an' or simply 'Ich glaube dir nicht'.

'Ungläubig' is more emotional and absolute (shocked disbelief), while 'skeptisch' is more intellectual and questioning (doubting but open to proof).

Yes, it is very common in German, especially in stories, news reports, and to describe facial expressions.

Yes, as an adjective it declines: 'ungläubige Menschen'. As a noun: 'die Ungläubigen'.

Yes! You can be 'ungläubig' when you win the lottery or receive an amazing gift.

The opposite is 'gläubig' (believing/faithful) or 'überzeugt' (convinced).

In standard German (Hochdeutsch), it is pronounced like a soft 'ch' (as in 'ich').

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