vertrauen
/fɛɐ̯ˈtʁaʊ̯ən/
Definition
To trust or have confidence in someone or something.
Example
Ich vertraue meiner besten Freundin immer.
I always trust my best friend.
Etymology
From Middle High German *vertriuwen*, from Old High German *firtrūēn*. Built from the prefix *ver-* (intensifying) + *trauen* ("to trust, to dare"), which itself descends from Proto-Germanic *truwjaną*, related to English "true" and "trust". The shared root reflects an ancient Germanic idea that trust and truth are one and the same.
Cultural note
Germans often describe themselves as a culture that takes time to build *Vertrauen* (trust). Friendships and business relationships alike tend to develop slowly, but once trust is established, it is considered deep and lasting. The related noun *Vertrauen* is also central to political discourse — polls frequently measure how much citizens *vertrauen* (trust) institutions. Watch out: *trauen* alone can mean "to dare" or "to marry" (as in a church wedding), so context matters!