German word

Selbstvertrauen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɛlpstfɛɐ̯ˌtʁaʊ̯ən/

Meaning

  • neuter nounconfidence

Example

Durch kleine Erfolge gewinnt man Selbstvertrauen.

People gain confidence through small successes.

Illustration for Selbstvertrauen (confidence)

More examples

Trotz Lampenfiebers zeigte er Selbstvertrauen.

Despite stage fright, he showed confidence.

Core concept

A steady inner footing that remains available when a task or setback puts personal ability to the test.

Common phrases

  • an Selbstvertrauen arbeiten

    work on confidence

  • Selbstvertrauen haben

    have confidence

  • Selbstvertrauen stärken

    strengthen confidence

Similar words

Selbstbewusstsein: A clear sense of personal worth and qualities that guides behavior.
Selbstsicherheit: A calm, assured manner with little sign of doubt or nervousness.
Zutrauen: Belief in the ability to perform a particular task or role well.
Zuversicht: Optimistic confidence that good things will happen in the future.

Definition in German

Vertrauen in die eigene Person und die Fähigkeit, Herausforderungen zu meistern.

Word origin

Selbstvertrauen combines Selbst, meaning self, with Vertrauen, trust, from Germanic roots related to trauen, to trust or dare.

Usage tips

  • Selbstvertrauen is neuter and usually uncountable, so standard forms include das Selbstvertrauen and viel Selbstvertrauen rather than a plural.

Opposites

Related words

  • Vertrauentrustnoun
  • vertrauensvolltrustingadjective

Word lists with this word