das / der  Lob

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/loːp/

🌟 What Does 'Lob' Actually Mean?

The German word Lob is a noun. It primarily uses the article das. However, there is also a rarer masculine form, der Lob.

Das Lob (neuter)

This is the most common form and means:

• Praise, commendation, approval: An expression of satisfaction or admiration for an achievement, quality, or behavior. It's positive feedback. For example: "Das Lob des Lehrers hat den Schüler sehr motiviert." (The teacher's praise greatly motivated the student.)

🚨 Important: Although the plural "die Lobe" exists, "das Lob" is often used in the singular to express the general concept of praise (e.g., "viel Lob erhalten" - to receive much praise).

Der Lob (masculine)

This form is less common and has a more specific meaning:

• Hymn of praise, song of praise: A solemn song or poem that serves to praise and honor a person or deity. For example: "Der Priester stimmte einen Lob auf Gott an." (The priest began a hymn of praise to God.) Here, "Lob" can be a poetic or shortened form of "Lobgesang" (song of praise).

Sometimes, "der Lob" might be found in older language or regional dialects for "das Lob" (praise), but this is uncommon today.

📜 Grammar of 'das Lob' and 'der Lob' in Detail

Here is the declension for das Lob and der Lob.

Declension: das Lob (praise)

The noun "das Lob" is neuter. The genitive is "des Lobes", and the plural is "die Lobe".

The plural "die Lobe" (for "das Lob") refers to multiple instances or types of praise. However, "das Lob" is often used as an uncountable noun in the singular to describe the general concept of praise (e.g., "Er bekam viel Lob." - He received much praise.).

Declension: der Lob (hymn of praise)

The noun "der Lob" is masculine. The genitive is "des Lobes", and the plural is "die Lobe".

The plural "die Lobe" (for "der Lob") refers to multiple hymns or songs of praise.

📝 Example Sentences for Lob

• Das Lob: "Das Lob der Chefin hat mich sehr gefreut." (The boss's praise made me very happy.)
• Das Lob: "Ein ehrliches Lob kann Wunder wirken." (Honest praise can work wonders.)
• Die Lobe (from das Lob): "Die vielen Lobe aus dem Publikum waren überwältigend." (The many praises from the audience were overwhelming.)
• Der Lob: "In der Kirche sangen sie einen feierlichen Lob." (In church, they sang a solemn hymn of praise.)
• Die Lobe (from der Lob): "Die alten Lobe wurden neu interpretiert." (The old hymns of praise were reinterpreted.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Lob' Correctly

The use of Lob depends on its meaning and article.

Usage of das Lob (praise)

"Das Lob" is very common in everyday language. It's used to give or receive positive feedback. It can refer to academic achievements, professional successes, good behavior, or personal qualities.

• Contexts: School, work, family, circle of friends, art, sports.
• Typical expressions:
  • Jemandem Lob spenden/zollen: To give praise to someone.
  • Lob ernten/bekommen: To reap/receive praise.
  • Voller Lob sein für jemanden/etwas: To be full of praise for someone/something.
  • Nicht mit Lob sparen: Not to skimp on praise (to praise generously).
  • Ein dickes Lob: High praise (literally 'a fat praise').
  • Eigenlob stinkt: Self-praise stinks (i.e., is unwelcome).

Usage of der Lob (hymn of praise)

"Der Lob" is more specific and is mostly used in religious, poetic, or musical contexts for a hymn or song of praise. It is significantly rarer than "das Lob".

• Contexts: Church, concerts (classical music), poetry.
• Example: "Der Chor trug einen ergreifenden Lob vor." (The choir performed a moving hymn of praise.)

⚠️ Caution: In general usage, "das Lob" is almost always meant. Using "der Lob" for general praise can sound archaic or dialectal.

🧠 Mnemonics for Article and Meaning of 'Lob'

Mnemonic for the article of das Lob (praise)

Das Lob is like das gift – a wonderful present of appreciation. It’s something you give (das Geben) and it feels good.

Mnemonic for the article of der Lob (hymn of praise)

Think of der Gesang (the song) or der Psalm. Der Lob is a specific, often male-voiced or strong, song of praise.

Mnemonic for the meaning (praise)

Imagine someone saying something lovely (Lob-ely) about you. That's Lob! It makes you feel good from your head to your toe (Boden).

Or: Lots Of Bravos! That's what Lob is.

↔️ 'Lob': Similar and Opposite Words

For das Lob (praise, commendation)

For der Lob (hymn of praise)

👍 Synonyms:

• Lobgesang (der): Song of praise, hymn.
• Hymne (die): Hymn, anthem.
• Preislied (das): Song of praise.
• Lobpreis (der): Glorification, praise (often religious, elevated).

🚫 Misleading words (sound similar, different meaning):

• Lobby (die): Lobby (interest group; hall). Nothing to do with Lob.
• Loben (verb): To praise (the act of praising).

😄 A Little Joke About Praise

Deutsch:

Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, können Sie eigentlich auch etwas anderes als nur kritisieren?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, Chef, loben! Aber das hier ist wirklich alles schlecht!"

English Translation:

The boss asks his new employee: "Tell me, can you do anything other than just criticize?"
The employee replies: "Yes, boss, praise! But everything here is really bad!" 😉

🎶 A Poem About the Power of Praise

Deutsch:

Ein Wort, so warm, ein heller Schein,
Das Lob, so sanft und rein.
Es baut die Brücken, stark und weit,
Vertreibt die Sorgen, heilt die Zeit.
Ob groß, ob klein, es wirkt so viel,
Ein Lächeln zaubert's oft ins Spiel.

English Translation:

A word so warm, a shining light,
Praise, so gentle and bright.
It builds the bridges, strong and wide,
Drives away sorrows, heals the tide.
Be it big or small, it means so much,
A smile it often brings to touch.

❓ Riddle Time: What Am I?

Deutsch:

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch ich spreche laut.
Ich koste nichts, doch bin wertvoller als Gold gebaut.
Man gibt mich gern, empfängt mich froh,
Für gute Taten ebenso.
Mal bin ich sächlich, als Anerkennung rein,
Mal männlich, als Gesang so fein.

Was bin ich?

Auflösung: Das Lob / Der Lob

English Translation:

I have no voice, yet I speak aloud.
I cost nothing, yet am more precious than gold endowed.
Given gladly, received with cheer,
For good deeds, just as clear.
Sometimes I'm neuter, as pure recognition,
Sometimes masculine, a fine song's rendition.

What am I?

Answer: Praise (Das Lob / Der Lob)

💡 Trivia and Origin of 'Lob'

Word Origin (Etymology)

The German word Lob comes from the Old High German word "lob" (similarly Middle High German "lop"), which could mean praise, fame, approval, or even a vow. It is related to the verb "loben" (to praise). The roots suggest an Indo-European base connected with "lieben" (to love) and "erlauben" (to allow) – declaring something good and desirable.

Compound Words (Komposita)

There are several interesting compound words with "Lob":

• Loblied (das): Song of praise.
• Lobeshymne (die): Hymn of praise.
• Lobredner (der): Eulogist, someone who gives a speech of praise.
• Eigenlob (das): Self-praise. (Famous proverb: "Eigenlob stinkt." - Self-praise stinks.)
• Lobenswert (adjective): Praiseworthy, commendable.

The Verb: loben

The corresponding verb is loben. It means to express praise for someone or something.
Example: "Die Lehrerin lobt den Schüler für seine gute Arbeit." (The teacher praises the student for his good work.)