die  Glaubwürdigkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡlaʊbˌvʏʁdɪçkaɪt/

🤔 What does "die Glaubwürdigkeit" mean?

Die Glaubwürdigkeit describes the quality of a person, statement, source, or institution of being seen as trustworthy and truthful. It's about whether one can glauben (believe) someone or something and considers it würdig (worthy) of being believed.

The word is composed of:

• glauben: to believe, to consider true
• würdig: worthy, deserving
• -keit: suffix used to form abstract feminine nouns

There is only the feminine article "die", as nouns ending in -keit are always feminine. It represents an abstract concept.

🚨 Attention: Although abstract, a plural form ("die Glaubwürdigkeiten") can occasionally be used in rare cases to emphasize different types or specific instances of credibility, but this is uncommon.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Glaubwürdigkeit

The noun "Glaubwürdigkeit" is feminine. Therefore, the article is always die. It is mostly used in the singular.

Declension Singular

Plural Usage

The plural "die Glaubwürdigkeiten" is very rare and typically only used in specific technical contexts when distinguishing between different aspects or instances of credibility. It's practically non-existent in everyday language.

📝 Example Sentences

• Die Glaubwürdigkeit des Zeugen wurde in Frage gestellt. (The witness's credibility was questioned.)
• Wegen der mangelnden Glaubwürdigkeit der Quelle glaubte niemand die Nachricht. (Due to the source's lack of credibility, nobody believed the news.)
• Wir schenken seiner Glaubwürdigkeit großes Vertrauen. (We place great trust in his credibility.)
• Der Skandal beschädigte die Glaubwürdigkeit des Politikers nachhaltig. (The scandal permanently damaged the politician's credibility.)

💡 How to use "Glaubwürdigkeit"?

"Glaubwürdigkeit" is a key term in many fields:

• Journalism & Media: The Glaubwürdigkeit of news sources is crucial for an informed public.
• Politics: Politicians often strive to maintain or restore their Glaubwürdigkeit.
• Science: The Glaubwürdigkeit of studies depends on methodology and transparency.
• Law: The Glaubwürdigkeit of witnesses influences court decisions.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Personal Glaubwürdigkeit is the foundation of trust (Vertrauen).
• Marketing & Business: A brand's Glaubwürdigkeit influences purchasing decisions.

Typical verbs and adjectives:

• Glaubwürdigkeit haben (to have), besitzen (to possess), genießen (to enjoy), verlieren (to lose), beschädigen (to damage), untergraben (to undermine), wiederherstellen (to restore), prüfen (to check), in Frage stellen (to question)
• hohe (high), geringe (low), mangelnde (lacking), zweifelhafte (doubtful), unerschütterliche (unshakeable) Glaubwürdigkeit

Distinction from similar words:

• Vertrauen (Trust): Refers more to the feeling or conviction one has towards someone. Glaubwürdigkeit is often the basis for Vertrauen.
• Authentizität (Authenticity): Refers to genuineness and self-truthfulness, which can contribute to Glaubwürdigkeit but isn't the same.
• Seriosität (Seriousness/Reputability): Emphasizes earnestness and reliability, often in a business context. Closely related to Glaubwürdigkeit.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: All German nouns ending in "-keit" (like Fröhlichkeit - happiness, Möglichkeit - possibility) are feminine. So it's clearly: die Glaubwürdigkeit! Easy rule!

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the question: "Is this person/source würdig (worthy) of my Glauben (belief)?" If yes, they possess Glaubwürdigkeit (credibility).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Words like Bekanntheit (fame) or Popularität (popularity) are not synonyms. Someone can be famous without being credible.

😂 A Little Joke

Richter zum Angeklagten: "Warum soll ich Ihnen glauben? Ihre Glaubwürdigkeit ist ja nicht gerade hoch."
Angeklagter: "Herr Richter, wenn meine Glaubwürdigkeit so niedrig ist, wie Sie sagen, warum sollte ich dann jetzt lügen? Es würde ja eh nichts ändern!"

Translation:
Judge to the defendant: "Why should I believe you? Your credibility isn't exactly high."
Defendant: "Your Honor, if my credibility is as low as you say, why would I lie now? It wouldn't change anything anyway!"

📜 A Short Poem

Die Glaubwürdigkeit, ein zartes Band,
Gewoben aus Wahrheit, Wort und Hand.
Einmal zerrissen, schwer zu flicken,
Muss mühsam neu Vertrauen schicken.
Sie ist der Pfeiler, fest und klar,
Auf dem die Welt oft aufgebaut war.

Translation:
Credibility, a tender thread,
Woven from truth, word, and hand instead.
Once torn apart, hard to mend,
Must painstakingly new trust extend.
It is the pillar, firm and clear,
On which the world was often built, my dear.

🧩 A Little Riddle

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch man hört auf mich.
Ich habe kein Gesicht, doch man vertraut auf mich.
Verliere ich mich, ist's schwer, mich wiederzufinden.
Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have no voice, yet people listen to me.
I have no face, yet people trust in me.
If I am lost, I am hard to find again.
What am I?

Solution: die Glaubwürdigkeit (credibility)

🤓 Interesting Tidbits

Word Formation: As mentioned, "Glaubwürdigkeit" is a compound noun with the suffix -keit. Such formations are typical in German for expressing abstract concepts. It literally translates to "belief-worthiness".

Cultural Differences: What is perceived as glaubwürdig can vary culturally. Directness versus indirectness in communication or the importance of hierarchies can influence the perception of credibility.

Digital Credibility: In the age of the internet, assessing the Glaubwürdigkeit of online information has become a central challenge (keyword: fake news).