In 15 Seconds
- To have faith or confidence in someone or something.
- Use 'zu' for people and 'in' for abstract concepts.
- A foundational phrase for deep relationships and professional reliability.
Meaning
This phrase describes the feeling of safety and reliance you have toward someone or something. It is about believing that a person is honest or that a situation will turn out well.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reassuring a close friend
Ich habe großes Vertrauen zu dir.
I have great trust in you.
Discussing the economy in a meeting
Wir müssen Vertrauen in den Markt haben.
We must have trust in the market.
Texting a teammate before a game
Hab Vertrauen in deine Fähigkeiten!
Have trust in your abilities!
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser' is a cultural staple, emphasizing that while trust is valued, verification is a sign of diligence. Trust is often linked to 'Diskretion' (discretion). Having trust in someone means knowing they will keep your business private. In Vienna, 'Vertrauen' can have a slightly more 'gemütlich' (cozy/relaxed) tone, often built over coffee and long conversations. German 'Vertrauen' in business is often 'task-based' initially, moving to 'relationship-based' only after successful collaboration.
The 'Zu' Rule
Always use 'zu' when the object of your trust is a human being. It sounds much more natural than 'in'.
Don't over-article
In the phrase 'Vertrauen haben', you usually don't need 'das'. Just say 'Ich habe Vertrauen.'
In 15 Seconds
- To have faith or confidence in someone or something.
- Use 'zu' for people and 'in' for abstract concepts.
- A foundational phrase for deep relationships and professional reliability.
What It Means
Vertrauen haben is that warm, solid feeling in your chest. It means you believe someone is reliable and honest. You are not worried they will let you down. It is the glue that keeps friends and partners together. In German, it is more than just a thought. It is a state of being where you feel safe.
How To Use It
You use this phrase with two main prepositions. Use zu when you trust a person. For example, Ich habe Vertrauen zu dir. Use in when you trust a concept or thing. For example, Ich habe Vertrauen in die Zukunft. It is a very flexible phrase. You can add adjectives like großes (big) or blindes (blind) to describe the trust. Just remember to conjugate the verb haben to match the person talking.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your best friend's secrets. It is perfect for professional settings when a boss relies on an employee. You can use it during a deep talk with a partner. It also fits when you are trying to encourage yourself. If a friend is nervous about a job interview, tell them to have trust. It works in texts, meetings, and over a beer.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small, everyday assumptions. If you think it will rain, do not use Vertrauen. Use glauben instead. Do not use it for technical reliability. If your car starts every morning, you do not 'have trust' in it. You would say it is zuverlässig (reliable). Also, avoid it if you just mean 'to believe' a fact. Trust is about the heart and character, not just data.
Cultural Background
In Germany, trust is earned slowly but lasts a lifetime. Germans often value 'Urvertrauen'. This is the 'basic trust' we develop as babies. There is a famous saying: 'Vertrauen ist gut, Kontrolle ist besser.' It means 'Trust is good, but control is better.' This shows the German balance between being friendly and being precise. Once you have a German's trust, you have a friend for life.
Common Variations
You will often hear Vertrauen schenken. This means 'to give trust' as if it were a gift. Another one is Selbstvertrauen haben. This means to have confidence in yourself. If someone loses trust, they say das Vertrauen verlieren. It is a very heavy and serious thing to say. Use it wisely!
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally understood and safe to use in all social registers. Be careful with the dative case after 'zu' (e.g., 'zu meinem Freund').
The 'Zu' Rule
Always use 'zu' when the object of your trust is a human being. It sounds much more natural than 'in'.
Don't over-article
In the phrase 'Vertrauen haben', you usually don't need 'das'. Just say 'Ich habe Vertrauen.'
Trust is a process
In Germany, saying 'Ich habe Vertrauen zu dir' is a big compliment. Don't say it too early in a relationship!
Examples
6Ich habe großes Vertrauen zu dir.
I have great trust in you.
Using 'zu' indicates a personal connection with the friend.
Wir müssen Vertrauen in den Markt haben.
We must have trust in the market.
Using 'in' is correct for abstract systems or concepts.
Hab Vertrauen in deine Fähigkeiten!
Have trust in your abilities!
An encouraging imperative form used for motivation.
Ich habe kein Vertrauen zu deinen Kochkünsten.
I have no trust in your cooking skills.
A playful way to tease someone about their lack of skill.
Es ist schwer, wieder Vertrauen zu haben.
It is hard to have trust again.
Expresses the emotional difficulty of rebuilding a bond.
Man muss vor allem Vertrauen in sich selbst haben.
Above all, one must have trust in oneself.
A common philosophical statement about self-reliance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition (zu or in).
Ich habe großes Vertrauen ___ meine beste Freundin.
We use 'zu' for trust in people.
Which sentence is correct?
Talking about the future:
For abstract concepts like the future, 'in' + Accusative is the correct pattern.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du mir das Geld leihen? B: Ja, ich mache das, weil ich ______ ___ dich habe.
Lending money is a classic act of interpersonal trust.
Match the adjective with the context.
Adjectives: 1. Blindes, 2. Gegenseitiges, 3. Gebrochenes
Blindes = without thinking; Gegenseitiges = mutual; Gebrochenes = broken/after a lie.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe großes Vertrauen ___ meine beste Freundin.
We use 'zu' for trust in people.
Talking about the future:
For abstract concepts like the future, 'in' + Accusative is the correct pattern.
A: Kannst du mir das Geld leihen? B: Ja, ich mache das, weil ich ______ ___ dich habe.
Lending money is a classic act of interpersonal trust.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Blindes = without thinking; Gegenseitiges = mutual; Gebrochenes = broken/after a lie.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is common, but 'zu dir' is more traditional for interpersonal trust. 'In dich' sounds slightly more like you trust their potential.
'Vertrauen' is the verb (action), while 'Vertrauen haben' is the state of possessing that feeling. They are often interchangeable.
Use the noun 'das Selbstvertrauen'. Example: 'Ich habe viel Selbstvertrauen.'
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
Use 'in'. 'Ich habe Vertrauen in die Regierung.'
Yes! 'Ich habe Vertrauen zu meinem Hund.'
It means 'blind trust'—trusting someone without any evidence or despite warnings.
You say 'Ich habe mein Vertrauen verloren.'
Yes, 'auf jemanden bauen' (to build on someone) is a common casual way to express trust.
It's a psychological term for 'basic trust' developed as an infant.
Related Phrases
jemandem vertrauen
similarTo trust someone (verb form)
sich anvertrauen
builds onTo confide in someone
Zutrauen haben
specialized formTo have confidence in someone's ability
Misstrauen haben
contrastTo have mistrust
Vertrauensvorschuss geben
specialized formTo give the benefit of the doubt
