German word

seriös

Pronunciation

IPA/zeˈʁi̯øːs/

Meaning

  • adjectivetrustworthy

Example

Ich habe einen seriösen Anbieter gefunden.

I found a trustworthy provider.

Illustration for seriös (trustworthy)

More examples

Sie verhält sich in Krisen seriös.

She behaves honestly during crises.

Core concept

A person or proposal that combines earnest purpose with dependable conduct.

Common phrases

  • ein seriöser Geschäftspartner

    a trustworthy business partner

  • seriös erscheinen

    appear trustworthy

  • ein seriöses Unternehmen

    a trustworthy company

Similar words

vertrauenswürdig: Safe to rely on to keep promises and accept responsibility.
zuverlässig: Keeping agreed times and deadlines while producing expected results.
kompetent: Having the knowledge and skills to do work accurately.

Definition in German

Glaubwürdig und sachlich; so, dass man einer Person oder einem Angebot Vertrauen schenken kann.

Word origin

German adopted seriös from French sérieux, ultimately from Latin serius, then extended the idea of earnestness to credible and respectable people or offers.

Usage tips

  • In German, seriös can modify an Anbieter or Angebot to signal professional reliability, while ernst focuses more directly on seriousness or a lack of humor.

Other meanings

  • honestadjective
  • seriousadjective
  • respectableadjective

Opposites

  • unseriösuntrustworthyadjective
  • unprofessionellunprofessionaladjective

Related words

  • Seriositättrustworthinessnoun

Word lists with this word