German word

Misstrauen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɪsˌtʁaʊ̯ən/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmistrust

Example

Das Misstrauen wächst.

Mistrust is growing.

Illustration for Misstrauen (mistrust)

More examples

Fake News nähren das Misstrauen in der Bevölkerung.

Fake news fuel mistrust among the population.

Core concept

A raised eyebrow and a careful second check hold a claim at arm's length.

Common phrases

  • Misstrauen gegenüber Experten

    mistrust of experts

  • Misstrauen schüren

    fuel mistrust

  • Misstrauen nähren

    feed mistrust

Similar words

Zweifel: Uncertainty about whether information or a judgment is correct.
Skepsis: A questioning attitude that withholds certainty and seeks evidence.
Argwohn: Wariness that someone's words or actions may hide an ulterior motive.
Verdacht: Suspicion that a specific wrongdoing or crime may have occurred.

Definition in German

Misstrauen ist das Gefühl, jemandem oder etwas nicht zu vertrauen und eine skeptische Haltung gegenüber Personen oder Informationen.

Word origin

The noun continues Middle High German mistruwen, formed from mis- and trauen to express a lack of trusting.

Usage tips

  • The related verb misstrauen takes the dative: Man misstraut jemandem, not jemand.

Other meanings

  • suspicionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • misstrauischmistrustfuladjective
  • Misstrauenskulturculture of mistrustnoun

Word lists with this word