German word

trösten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtrøːstn̩/

Meaning

  • verbcomfort

Example

Ich tröste dich.

I am comforting you.

Illustration for trösten (comfort)

More examples

Sie tröstet ihn nach dem Verlust.

She comforts him after the loss.

Core concept

Someone sits beside a distressed person, easing the sadness and helping hope return.

Common phrases

  • jemanden trösten

    comfort someone

  • sich mit Erinnerungen trösten

    comfort oneself with memories

  • mit Worten trösten

    comfort with words

Similar words

beruhigen: Reduce someone's anxiety or tension and help them feel calm.
aufmuntern: Lift someone's spirits and help restore their energy.
ermutigen: Give someone courage and help them move forward despite doubt.
unterstützen: Help and support someone through a difficulty or problem.

Definition in German

Jemandem in Kummer beistehen und ihm Trost oder Hoffnung geben

Word origin

The verb comes from the inherited Germanic noun Trost, meaning consolation, with the verb-forming ending -en.

Usage tips

  • Trösten takes the person being comforted as an accusative object, as in jemanden trösten and Ich tröste dich.

Other meanings

  • reassureverb
  • cheer upverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Tröstercomforternoun
  • tröstlichcomfortingadjective

Word lists with this word