vermuten
Translation
to suppose, to suspect, to assume, to presume
Examples
Ich vermute, dass er die Wahrheit sagt.
I suppose that he is telling the truth.
Die Polizei vermutet den Täter im Haus.
The police suspect the culprit is in the house.
Was vermutest du dahinter?
What do you suspect is behind it?
Grammar Patterns
((sth.acc)) to suspect/suppose sth. I suspect a mistake.
((that-clause)) to suppose that... I suppose that he isn't coming.
((sb.acc)) ((in+dat / at+dat)) to suspect sb. to be in/at... The police suspect he is in the city.
Similar Words
annehmen (to assume), glauben (to believe), ahnen (to have a hunch)
Etymology
From `ver-` (prefix) and `muten` (to feel, to be of a mind), related to `Mut` (courage, spirit). It implies using one's mind or spirit to guess something.
Memory Tips
You have the `Mut` (courage/spirit) to state what you think is true, but it's just a guess (`vermuten`).