In 15 Seconds
- The process of earning someone's long-term reliability and belief.
- Uses the separable verb 'aufbauen' with the noun 'Vertrauen'.
- Essential for business, dating, and deep friendships in Germany.
Meaning
It means slowly earning someone’s belief in your honesty and reliability. You do this through consistent actions over time, not just words.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new colleague
Ich muss erst einmal Vertrauen zu meinem neuen Chef aufbauen.
I first need to build up trust with my new boss.
Adopting a rescue cat
Die Katze ist scheu, aber wir bauen langsam Vertrauen auf.
The cat is shy, but we are slowly building trust.
Discussing a relationship after an argument
Nach dem Streit müssen wir wieder Vertrauen aufbauen.
After the argument, we need to build trust again.
Cultural Background
Trust is earned through competence.
Consistency
Trust is built by small, consistent actions.
In 15 Seconds
- The process of earning someone's long-term reliability and belief.
- Uses the separable verb 'aufbauen' with the noun 'Vertrauen'.
- Essential for business, dating, and deep friendships in Germany.
What It Means
Think of Vertrauen aufbauen like building a house. You cannot do it in one day. You place one brick of honesty at a time. In German, this phrase describes the process of creating a solid foundation in a relationship. It is about proving you are reliable. It is not just about being nice. It is about being consistent. If you say you will call, you call. That is how you Vertrauen aufbauen.
How To Use It
This is a separable verb phrase. The auf usually travels to the very end of your sentence. For example, you would say: Ich baue langsam Vertrauen zu ihm auf. You use the preposition zu (to/towards) for the person you are building trust with. It works for people, companies, or even brands. You can use it in the past tense too: Wir haben Vertrauen aufgebaut. It sounds very active and intentional.
When To Use It
Use this when starting a new job. Your boss needs to see you are capable. Use it when you start dating someone new. It is perfect for deep conversations about friendships. You might hear it in a business meeting about a new partnership. It is also great for talking about pets! If you adopt a shy dog, you need to Vertrauen aufbauen with him. It fits any situation where a bond is growing.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for quick, transactional moments. You do not Vertrauen aufbauen with a cashier to buy bread. That is too heavy for a five-second interaction. Also, avoid using it for inanimate objects. You do not build trust with your toaster. If your toaster is broken, you just fix it. Use it only for entities that have feelings or reputations. Don't use it if the trust is already 100% there.
Cultural Background
Germans value Ehrlichkeit (honesty) and Zuverlässigkeit (reliability) immensely. Trust is not usually given for free in Germany. It is earned through punctuality and following through on promises. There is a famous saying: Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser (Trust is good, control is better). This shows that Germans take the process of Vertrauen aufbauen very seriously. It is a slow, steady climb, not a fast sprint.
Common Variations
You might hear Vertrauen gewinnen, which means 'to win trust'. That sounds a bit more like a prize you've earned. Another one is eine Vertrauensbasis schaffen. This means 'to create a basis of trust'. It sounds a bit more professional. If you want to say the trust is already there, use jemandem vertrauen. But aufbauen is the best way to describe the journey from strangers to allies.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and very versatile. Just remember that 'aufbauen' is a separable verb, so the 'auf' will often jump to the end of your sentence.
Consistency
Trust is built by small, consistent actions.
Examples
6Ich muss erst einmal Vertrauen zu meinem neuen Chef aufbauen.
I first need to build up trust with my new boss.
Uses 'zu' to indicate the person.
Die Katze ist scheu, aber wir bauen langsam Vertrauen auf.
The cat is shy, but we are slowly building trust.
Shows the phrase works with animals too.
Nach dem Streit müssen wir wieder Vertrauen aufbauen.
After the argument, we need to build trust again.
Implies a repair process.
Er ist nett, aber wir müssen noch Vertrauen aufbauen.
He's nice, but we still need to build trust.
Common in early dating stages.
Unser Ziel ist es, langfristiges Vertrauen zu unseren Kunden aufzubauen.
Our goal is to build long-term trust with our customers.
Very standard in corporate mission statements.
Ich versuche, Vertrauen zu diesem Sandwich aufzubauen, aber es sieht alt aus.
I'm trying to build trust with this sandwich, but it looks old.
A humorous, metaphorical use.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the verb.
Wir müssen langsam Vertrauen ____.
'Aufbauen' is the correct collocation for trust.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Vertrauen aufbauen'
Talking to a friend about a new puppy.
Wir bauen Vertrauen auf.
Discussing a new work relationship.
Man muss Vertrauen aufbauen.
In a corporate contract or speech.
Es ist wichtig, Vertrauen aufzubauen.
Where to Build Trust
New Job
With your team.
Dating
On the third date.
Pets
With a rescue animal.
Therapy
Between doctor and patient.
Practice Bank
1 exercisesWir müssen langsam Vertrauen ____.
'Aufbauen' is the correct collocation for trust.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, only for people or organizations.
Related Phrases
Vertrauen gewinnen
synonymTo gain trust
