das  Prestige

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/pʁɛsˈtɛːʒ/

🧐 What does "das Prestige" mean?

Das Prestige (noun, neuter) refers to the reputation, influence, or standing that a person, group, profession, institution, or even a brand enjoys in society or a specific group. This standing is often based on success, achievement, origin, possessions, knowledge, or certain qualities.

It's a measure of social or professional status and the associated esteem. High prestige often also implies greater opportunities for influence.

⚠️ It is a loanword from French.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "das Prestige" in Detail

The word "Prestige" is neuter. The article is das. It is mostly used in the singular.

Declension Singular

Note: The genitive singular can also be formed without "s" ("des Prestige"), but the form with "s" ("des Prestiges") is also common.

Declension Plural

The plural "die Prestigen" is very rare and hardly ever used. Typically, German speakers don't talk about multiple "prestiges" but rather rephrase it (e.g., "verschiedene Formen von Prestige" - different forms of prestige).

Example Sentences 📝

• Der Beruf des Arztes genießt hohes Prestige.
  (The medical profession enjoys high prestige.)
• Für viele Menschen ist das Prestige ihres Autos wichtig.
  (For many people, the prestige of their car is important.)
• Die Firma investierte viel Geld, um ihr Prestige zu steigern.
  (The company invested a lot of money to increase its prestige.)
• Der Gewinn des Wettbewerbs brachte ihm großes Prestige ein.
  (Winning the competition brought him great prestige.)
• Der Verlust des Prestiges war für ihn schmerzhaft. (Genitive with -s)
  (The loss of prestige was painful for him.)
• Man darf den Wert des Prestige nicht unterschätzen. (Genitive without -s)
  (One should not underestimate the value of prestige.)

💡 How to use "das Prestige"?

"Das Prestige" is used to describe social or symbolic value and reputation. It can refer to:

• Professions: Some professions traditionally have more Prestige than others (e.g., doctor, lawyer).
• Institutions: Universities, organizations, or clubs can enjoy Prestige.
• Brands & Products: Luxury brands deliberately build on Prestige.
• People: Individuals can gain Prestige through achievements, origin, or demeanor.
• Places: Certain residential areas or cities can be considered prestigious (prestigeträchtig).

It often has a slightly abstract connotation and isn't always directly measurable. It differs from "Macht" (power - the ability to enforce things) and "Reichtum" (wealth - material possessions), although these factors can contribute to Prestige.

Compared to "Ansehen" (standing, reputation) or "Ruf" (reputation), "Prestige" often sounds a bit more formal or international, being a loanword.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Prestige"

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of prestige as a neutral, abstract concept, an "it" factor. In German, neuter nouns often take "das". Or connect the 's' sound: "das Prestige".
2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone making a pressing case for their importance to gain status (Pre-s-tige). Or link it to the English word "prestige" which has the same meaning.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Watch out – Similar words:

• Die Prise: A pinch (e.g., of salt) – sounds vaguely similar but is completely unrelated.

😂 A little Joke

Warum hat die Vogelscheuche so viel Prestige auf dem Feld?
... Weil sie herausragend in ihrem Fach ist!

(Why does the scarecrow have so much prestige in the field?
... Because it is outstanding in its field!)

📜 Poem about Prestige

Das Prestige, ein sanfter Schein,
manch einer hätt' es gern allein.
Durch Leistung, Namen, Glanz und Geld,
wird Ansehen in die Welt gestellt.
Doch wahre Größe, tief im Kern,
liegt oft von äußer'm Schein so fern.

(Prestige, a gentle gleam,
Some wish to have it as their dream.
Through deeds, and names, and shine, and gold,
A reputation takes its hold.
But true greatness, deep inside,
Often from outer show does hide.)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin nicht Gold, doch oft begehrt,
hab' keinen Thron, doch werd' verehrt.
Man kann mich steigern, auch verlieren,
manch Job und Marke muss mich zieren.
Ich bin der gute Ruf, das Ansehen fein,
was mag ich wohl sein?

(I am not gold, yet often sought,
Have no throne, yet respect is brought.
You can increase me, or lose me too,
Some jobs and brands must feature you.
I'm good repute, esteem held high,
What could I be, oh my?)

Solution: Das Prestige (Prestige)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Prestige" comes from French. Interestingly, the French word prestige originally meant "illusion", "trickery", or "magic". The modern meaning of "reputation" or "influence" developed later, possibly through the idea that someone with high standing has a kind of "enchanting" effect on others.