German word

zuverlässig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsuːfɛɐ̯lɛsɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivereliable

Example

Sie ist zuverlässiger als ihr Bruder.

She is more reliable than her brother.

Illustration for zuverlässig (reliable)

More examples

In diesem Team ist er zuverlässig.

He is reliable in this team.

Core concept

A steady bridge between a promise and its expected result, allowing others to depend on it.

Common phrases

  • zuverlässig sein

    be reliable

  • eine zuverlässige Quelle

    a reliable source

  • ein zuverlässiger Partner

    a reliable partner

Similar words

verlässlich: Reliable in honoring promises, carrying out duties, and finishing work.
vertrauenswürdig: Deserving confidence because the person or information can be trusted.
pünktlich: Taking place at the agreed or scheduled time without delay.
stabil: Consistent in performance, with little fluctuation or risk of failure.

Definition in German

beständig und verlässlich in Pflichten, Zusagen oder Verhalten, so dass andere darauf bauen können.

Word origin

The word is formed from zu and the stem related to verlassen in its older sense of relying on someone, plus the adjective suffix -ig.

Usage tips

  • Before a noun, the adjective takes normal German endings, as in ein zuverlässiger Mitarbeiter and eine zuverlässige Maschine.

Other meanings

  • dependableadjective
  • trustworthyadjective

Opposites

  • unzuverlässigunreliableadjective

Related words

  • Zuverlässigkeitreliabilitynoun

Word lists with this word