Vertraulich

Vertraulich is a German adjective meaning confidential or meant to be kept private. It describes information, discussions, or handling that should not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. In practice, verlautbar or confidential status applies to business records, personnel matters, negotiations, and other sensitive topics.

The term is closely tied to the noun Vertraulichkeit, which denotes the principle of maintaining confidentiality. It is related to, but distinct from, Geheimhaltung (secrecy) and from the broader concept of Datenschutz (data protection). In everyday language, vertraulich is often contrasted with öffentlich (public) or geheim (secret), with vertraulich indicating a controlled, limited-access level rather than absolute secrecy.

Usage in communication and law is common. Phrases such as “Diese Information ist vertraulich” or “Vertraulich – nur für den Empfänger” appear on emails, reports, and documents to signal restricted access. In legal contexts, Vertraulichkeit is central to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and to contractual clauses that restrict sharing or use of information. In data protection and information security, confidentiality is a core principle, guiding how data is stored, transmitted, and accessed.

In translation, vertraulich is usually rendered as confidential. It is not as strong as geheim or streng geheim, which imply higher levels of secrecy. In German-speaking environments, the term is a standard, neutral descriptor used across business, government, and legal settings to indicate that information should be handled with discretion and restricted access.