das
Ansehen
🧐 What does 'das Ansehen' mean?
Das Ansehen (noun, neuter) primarily refers to the reputation, prestige, esteem, or social standing that a person, group, or institution enjoys. It describes how positively or negatively someone or something is perceived and valued by others.
It's a measure of respect and appreciation within a social context.
- Meaning 1: Reputation, prestige, renown, social standing, standing, image.
⚠️ Attention: The word 'Ansehen' also exists as a verb (ansehen), meaning 'to look at' or 'to watch'. This entry focuses on the noun das Ansehen.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
Digging into the Grammar: Declension of Ansehen
Das Ansehen is a nominalized verb (from 'ansehen' - to look at/regard) and is therefore neuter (sächlich). It is mostly used only in the singular when referring to reputation.
Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | das Ansehen | ein Ansehen |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | das Ansehen | ein Ansehen |
| Dative (To whom?) | dem Ansehen | einem Ansehen |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des Ansehens | eines Ansehens |
The plural ('die Ansehen') is very rare and practically never used in the sense of 'reputation'. It could theoretically appear in other contexts, but these are atypical.
📝 Example Sentences
- Er genießt bei seinen Kollegen hohes Ansehen.
He enjoys high esteem among his colleagues. - Durch den Skandal hat die Firma viel Ansehen verloren.
The company lost a lot of prestige due to the scandal. - Ihr soziales Engagement verschaffte ihr großes Ansehen in der Gemeinde.
Her social engagement earned her great standing in the community. - Das Ansehen des Berufsstandes muss verbessert werden.
The reputation of the profession needs to be improved.
🗣️ Using 'das Ansehen' Correctly
'Das Ansehen' describes how someone or something is perceived in public or within a specific group. It's often linked to respect, honor, and social status.
- Hohes Ansehen genießen: To be highly respected. (Der Professor genießt hohes Ansehen. - The professor enjoys high esteem.)
- Ansehen gewinnen/erlangen: To gain/build reputation. (Durch harte Arbeit gewann er an Ansehen. - Through hard work, he gained reputation.)
- Ansehen verlieren: To lose reputation. (Nach dem Fehler verlor er sein Ansehen. - After the mistake, he lost his standing.)
- Um sein Ansehen fürchten: To fear for one's reputation. (Der Politiker fürchtete um sein Ansehen. - The politician feared for his reputation.)
- Dem Ansehen schaden: To damage the reputation. (Die Gerüchte schadeten ihrem Ansehen. - The rumors damaged her reputation.)
It's often used in professional, political, or social contexts. It is more formal than 'Ruf' (reputation).
🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids
For the article 'das': Think of reputation as something abstract, almost neutral – it is das result of your actions. Das Ansehen is like das picture (Bild) others have of you. Both 'Bild' and 'Ansehen' (as reputation) are 'das'.
For the meaning 'reputation/prestige': 'Ansehen' contains 'sehen' (to see). How people see you ('an' can imply 'upon' or 'towards') determines your Ansehen (reputation). Think: What people think 'on seeing' you.
↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Ansehen
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Der Ruf: (Reputation) More general, can also be negative (schlechter Ruf - bad reputation).
- Das Prestige: (Prestige) Emphasizes status and influence.
- Das Renommee: (Renown) Good reputation, often in professional/academic contexts.
- Die Achtung: (Respect, esteem) Emphasizes respect.
- Die Geltung: (Standing, influence) Importance, influence.
- Das Image: (Image) The external perception, often consciously crafted.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Die Missachtung: (Disregard, disrespect) Opposite of Achtung.
- Die Geringschätzung: (Disdain, contempt) Lack of respect.
- Der Verruf: (Disrepute) Very bad reputation.
- Die Ehrlosigkeit: (Dishonor) Lack of honor.
🚨 Risk of Confusion?
Das Aussehen: Refers to physical appearance, not reputation.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie bei Ihrer letzten Firma auch so viel Ansehen genossen wie hier?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ansehen? Ich musste mich da immer verstecken!"
Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Did you enjoy as much respect (Ansehen) at your last company as you do here?"
The employee replies: "Respect (Ansehen)? I always had to hide there!"
✍️ A Little Poem
Das Ansehen, fein und zart,
ist oft das Ergebnis guter Art.
Man baut es auf mit Müh und Zeit,
verliert es schnell im kleinsten Streit.
Drum pflege es mit Bedacht,
denn es gibt dir Halt und Macht.
Translation:
Reputation, fine and delicate,
is often the result of good character.
One builds it up with effort and time,
loses it quickly in the smallest strife.
So cultivate it with care,
for it gives you support and might.
🧩 Who or What am I?
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch man spricht von mir.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch ich öffne manche Tür.
Man kann mich gewinnen, man kann mich verlieren,
und gute Taten können mich zieren.
Was bin ich?
(Lösung: das Ansehen)
Translation:
I have no voice, yet people talk about me.
I have no hands, yet I open many doors.
You can win me, you can lose me,
and good deeds can adorn me.
What am I?
(Solution: das Ansehen / reputation)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Formation: 'Das Ansehen' is a substantivization (making a noun) of the verb 'ansehen' (to look at, to regard). The prefix 'an-' here suggests a direction or result (how one is 'looked upon' or regarded).
Cultural Significance: In many cultures, including German culture, Ansehen plays a significant role in social and professional life. It influences trust, opportunities, and relationships.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ansehen?
The correct article for Ansehen meaning reputation or prestige is das: das Ansehen. It is a neuter noun and is mostly used in the singular.