A2 Informal Trust

„Du kannst auf ihn bauen."

You can rely on him.

Du kannst auf ihn bauen. — German idiom meaning: You can rely on him. (A2)
Du kannst auf ihn bauen. — German idiom reference | DeuTale

What does „Du kannst auf ihn bauen." mean in German?

„Du kannst auf ihn bauen." means "You can rely on him.." Literally: "You can build on him.."

Literal Translation

"You can build on him."

Du You
kannst can
auf build
ihn on
bauen him

English Equivalent

"You can count on him."

This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.

Grammar Notes

'auf jemanden bauen' = to rely on someone

When is this idiom used?

Informal

This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.

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