Glauben

Glauben is a German term that encompasses belief, faith, and trust. It describes a mental stance in which a person accepts a proposition as true or places confidence in a person, idea, or institution. In everyday language, it is used for both opinion-based assertions (Ich glaube, es wird regnen) and more durable commitments, such as religious faith or trust in others.

In philosophy, Glauben is contrasted with Wissen (knowledge). A belief may be true and justified yet not count as knowledge. Epistemology studies what counts as adequate justification for beliefs and when beliefs can be considered knowledge. Glauben can arise from evidence, testimony, habit, or trust, and its status depends on context.

In theology, Glauben, usually written as Glaube in German, denotes faith as a theological virtue or assent to divine revelation. It may involve personal commitment, trust in God’s promises, and fidelity to doctrinal teaching. Different Christian traditions articulate Glauben with varying emphasis on grace, certainty, and communal creed.

Socially, Glauben can refer to trust in people, institutions, or ideas, such as confidence in a political movement or in a scientific claim based on consensus. It remains subject to revision in light of new evidence or experience.