German word

verlässlich

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈlɛslɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivereliable

Example

Ich brauche verlässliche Informationen.

I need reliable information.

Illustration for verlässlich (reliable)

More examples

Als Journalist brauche ich verlässliche Quellen.

As a journalist, I need reliable sources.

Core concept

A steady source that can be leaned on without an unpleasant surprise.

Common phrases

  • verlässliche Informationen

    reliable information

  • verlässliche Quelle

    reliable source

  • verlässlicher Partner

    reliable partner

Similar words

zuverlässig: Operating steadily and accurately in the way expected, especially over time.
vertrauenswürdig: Able to inspire confidence and be safely relied on by others.
glaubwürdig: Believable because the account or evidence appears genuine and well supported.

Definition in German

So, dass man sich auf das Verhalten oder die Angaben einer Person oder Sache verlassen kann

Word origin

'Verlässlich' is formed from the verb 'sich verlassen' ('to rely on') with the adjective-forming suffix '-lich', expressing something fit to rely on.

Usage tips

  • "Sich auf" takes the accusative, as in "sich auf verlässliche Informationen verlassen"; "verlässlich" commonly describes information, people, and sources.

Other meanings

  • trustworthyadjective
  • dependableadjective

Opposites

  • unzuverlässigunreliableadjective

Related words

  • Verlässlichkeitreliabilitynoun

Word lists with this word