der  Respekt

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁɛsˈpɛkt/

🧐 What does "der Respekt" mean?

Der Respekt is the German word for respect, esteem, or regard. It signifies a feeling or attitude of deference, admiration, and appreciation towards a person, group, institution, or abstract values. It implies recognition of the dignity, rights, or achievements of others.

It's a masculine noun and always uses the article "der". There are no different meanings associated with different articles, as only "der" is correct. ✅

📐 Grammar of "Respekt" in Detail

The word "Respekt" is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular form. A plural form ("die Respekte") formally exists but is very uncommon.

Declension (Singular)

🚨 Note: The Genitive and Dative forms ending in "-es" or "-e" (des Respektes, dem Respekte) are less common and often sound more formal or archaic.

Example Sentences

1. Er zeigte großen Respekt vor der Leistung seines Gegners.
   (He showed great respect for his opponent's performance.)
2. Aus Respekt vor den Älteren stand er auf.
   (Out of respect for the elders, he stood up.)
3. Das Mindestmaß an Respekt sollte immer gewahrt werden.
   (The minimum amount of respect should always be maintained.)
4. Sie hat sich seinen Respekt verdient.
   (She earned his respect.)

🗣️ How to use "der Respekt"?

"Respekt" is used in many contexts, from personal relationships to professional and social interactions.

• Respekt vor Personen: Respect for people due to their qualities, age, position, or achievements (e.g., Respekt vor den Eltern haben - to have respect for one's parents, Respekt vor dem Chef zeigen - to show respect to the boss).
• Respekt vor Leistungen: Recognition for what someone has achieved (e.g., Respekt für seine harte Arbeit - respect for his hard work).
• Respekt vor Regeln/Gesetzen: Adherence to norms and regulations (e.g., Respekt vor dem Gesetz - respect for the law).
• Selbstrespekt: Self-respect, regard for one's own dignity.

Typical collocations (word combinations) include:

• Respekt haben (vor + Dative): to have respect (for) - Ich habe Respekt vor seiner Entscheidung. (I have respect for his decision.)
• Respekt zeigen / erweisen / zollen: to show / pay respect - Man sollte älteren Menschen Respekt zeigen. (One should show respect to elderly people.)
• Respekt einflößen: to command respect - Seine Autorität flößte Respekt ein. (His authority commanded respect.)
• den Respekt verlieren (vor + Dative): to lose respect (for) - Durch sein Verhalten hat er meinen Respekt verloren. (Through his behaviour, he lost my respect.)
• mit Respekt behandeln: to treat with respect - Behandle andere mit Respekt. (Treat others with respect.)

Compared to "Achtung", "Respekt" often implies a deeper, internal attitude of appreciation, whereas "Achtung" can also mean 'attention' or 'caution', or a more external form of politeness.

💡 Mnemonics for "der Respekt"

Article Mnemonic: Think of typically respected figures often grammatically masculine in German: "DER Mann, DER Professor, DER Präsident". These figures command Respekt. So, it's DER Respekt.

Meaning Mnemonic: "Respekt" sounds like the English "respect". Also, think of the Latin origin "re-spicere" = to look back at, consider. To show Respekt, you need to pause, look again (re-spect), and truly consider the person or thing.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum zeigst du deinem Großvater keinen Respekt?" Fritzchen: "Wieso? Ich habe doch nur gesagt, dass seine Witze älter sind als er selbst. Das ist doch Respekt vor dem Alter!"

EN: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why don't you show your grandfather any respect?" Fritzchen: "Why? I just said that his jokes are older than he is. That's respecting his age!"

📜 A Poem about Respect

DE: Der Respekt, ein stilles Band,
reicht von Herz zu Herz, von Hand zu Hand.
Er sieht den Wert in dir und mir,
öffnet Geist und schließt die Tür
vor Missachtung, Spott und Hohn,
gibt jeder Würde ihren Thron.Ein leises Nicken, Blick, der ehrt,
zeigt, was ein Mensch dem andern wert.

EN: Respect, a silent bond so deep,
From heart to heart, its secrets keep.
It sees the worth in you and me,
Opens minds and sets spirits free
From disregard, from scorn and slight,
Gives every dignity its light.
A gentle nod, an honoring gaze,
Shows human value in countless ways.

❓ Riddle Time

DE: Ich habe keinen Körper, doch man kann mich zeigen.
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch durch Taten werd' ich eigen.
Man kann mich verdienen, doch kaufen kann man mich nicht.
Behandelst du andere gut, zeigst du mein wahres Gesicht.

Was bin ich? ... Der Respekt

EN: I have no body, but I can be shown.
I have no voice, but through actions I'm known.
I can be earned, but never be bought.
Treat others well, and I'm what you've brought.

What am I? ... Respect (Der Respekt)

➕ Other Information

Etymology: The German word "Respekt" comes from the Latin word respectus, meaning "regard", "consideration", or literally "the act of looking back" (from respicere: re- = back, specere = to look, to see).

Cultural Differences: The way respect is expressed (e.g., through bowing, forms of address, body language) can vary significantly across different cultures. Understanding these nuances is important in intercultural communication.