VerbA1

glauben

to believe (something is true) · to think, suppose

Glauben means 'to believe' or 'to think'. It is used both for believing something is true and for expressing an opinion or assumption. Germans often use it to soften statements, similar to 'I think' in English.

What glauben means

  1. to believe (something is true) — When accepting something as true or trusting someone.
  2. to think, suppose — When expressing an opinion or assumption, often with a clause.

Heard in real German videos

Lines where glauben was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.

  • Ich glaube, es wird noch regnen.I think it's going to rain.
  • Ich glaube dir kein Wort.I don't believe a word you say.
  • Ich glaube, die brauchen Hilfe.I think they need help.

Example sentences

  • Ich glaube, es wird regnen.I think it's going to rain.
  • Ich glaube dir.I believe you.
  • Er glaubt an Gott.He believes in God.
  • Glaubst du, dass sie kommt?Do you think she will come?

Grammar

Present (ich/du/er)glaube / glaubst / glaubt
Simple pastglaubte
Perfecthat geglaubt
Separableno
Caseaccusative (for the thing believed) or dative (for the person believed)

Use 'glauben an + accusative' to express belief in something (e.g., 'Ich glaube an dich').

Common phrases

  • Ich glaube schon.I think so.
  • Das glaube ich nicht.I don't think so.
  • Kaum zu glauben!Hard to believe!
  • Glaub mir!Believe me!

The mistake English speakers make

English speakers often say 'Ich glaube dich' instead of 'Ich glaube dir' when meaning 'I believe you'. The person believed takes the dative case.

Don’t confuse it with

  • denken — Denken focuses on the mental process of thinking, while glauben implies belief or opinion.
  • meinen — Meinen is more like 'to mean' or 'to be of the opinion', often used to clarify what one intended to say.

Questions learners ask

What is the difference between 'glauben' and 'denken'?

Glauben expresses belief or opinion, often with less certainty. Denken refers to the act of thinking or having thoughts. In many contexts they are interchangeable, but glauben can imply a stronger sense of belief.

How do you say 'I believe in you' in German?

You say 'Ich glaube an dich'. The preposition 'an' is used with the accusative case.

Is 'glauben' a regular verb?

Yes, it is regular: glauben, glaubte, hat geglaubt.