der  Ruhm

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁuːm/

🏆 What does "der Ruhm" mean?

Der Ruhm (noun, masculine) signifies high regard, great renown, and recognition that a person or thing enjoys due to exceptional achievements, deeds, or qualities. It often results from success and public admiration.

Essentially, der Ruhm describes the state of being widely known and positively evaluated. It's an abstract concept and is mostly used in the singular. A plural form ("die Ruhme") is very rare and found almost exclusively in poetic or elevated language.

• Meaning: fame, glory, renown, prestige
• Article: der
• Plural: (rare) die Ruhme

🧐 Grammar of "der Ruhm" in Detail

"Ruhm" is a masculine noun. As an abstract noun, it is normally used only in the singular. The plural is uncommon.

Declension Singular

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der schnelle Ruhm kann vergänglich sein.
   (Sudden fame can be fleeting.)
2. Er genoss die Früchte seines wohlverdienten Ruhmes.
   (He enjoyed the fruits of his well-deserved fame.)
3. Viele Künstler streben nach ewigem Ruhm.
   (Many artists strive for eternal fame.)
4. Sie erlangte großen Ruhm durch ihre Entdeckung.
   (She gained great fame through her discovery.)

🗣️ How to use "Ruhm"?

"Ruhm" is used to describe a state of great public recognition and renown. Typical contexts include:

• Achievements: Scientific discoveries, athletic successes, artistic masterpieces. (e.g., "Der Ruhm des Wissenschaftlers wuchs mit jeder Publikation." - The scientist's fame grew with each publication.)
• Historical Deeds: Military victories, political accomplishments. (e.g., "Der Ruhm vergangener Helden lebt in Legenden weiter." - The glory of past heroes lives on in legends.)
• Personal Qualities: Sometimes also for outstanding wisdom or virtue, although "Ehre" (honour) is often more fitting here.

Distinction from "Ehre": While "Ruhm" primarily emphasizes external renown and recognition, "die Ehre" relates more to a person's inner standing, dignity, and moral prestige.

Expressions:

• nach Ruhm streben (to strive for fame)
• Ruhm erlangen/ernten (to attain/reap fame)
• sich mit Ruhm bedecken (literally 'to cover oneself with glory', often used ironically to mean 'to fail spectacularly')
• nicht mit Ruhm bekleckert (literally 'not splattered with glory', meaning to have done something poorly)

⚠️ Caution: *Ruhm* can be positive (recognition) or neutral (renown), but is rarely meant negatively. Negative notoriety is more often described as "traurige Berühmtheit" (sad/infamous fame) or "zweifelhafter Ruf" (doubtful reputation).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Ruhm"

1. For the article (der): Imagine a famous man (der Mann) standing on a stage, enjoying his Ruhm. Or think: **D**aring **E**xploits **R**esult in... Ruhm.
2. For the meaning (Fame/Glory): *Ruhm* sounds a bit like the English word "room". Imagine a huge "room" filled with trophies, awards, and cheering fans – a room of fame (Ruhm).

Some say: "If you want Ruhm (fame), you first have to get aroun'd (sounds like Ruhm) and achieve something!"

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words:

• der Raum: room, space. Don't confuse!
• der Rahm: cream (as in dairy). Different meaning!

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Ruhm und Ehre?"

Fritzchen: "Nun ja, Herr Lehrer, Ruhm hat man, wenn viele Leute wissen, wer man ist. Ehre hat man, wenn man das auch verdient hat!"

Translation:

The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what's the difference between fame (Ruhm) and honour (Ehre)?"

Fritzchen: "Well, teacher, you have fame when lots of people know who you are. You have honour when you actually deserve it!"

📜 Poem about Fame (Ruhm)

Der flücht'ge Ruhm

Ein Echo nur, vom Wind verweht,
Der Ruhm, der kommt und schnell vergeht.
Ein heller Schein, ein lauter Klang,
Verblasst oft schon den nächsten Tag entlang.

Wer ihn erjagt mit heißem Sinn,
Gibt oft sein wahres Selbst dahin.
Doch wahrer Wert, der leise glimmt,
Ist mehr als Ruhm, der flüchtig schwimmt.

Translation: Fleeting Fame

An echo only, blown by the breeze,
The fame that comes and quickly flees.
A bright light shone, a sound so loud,
Often fades by the next day's cloud.

Who chases it with ardent mind,
Often leaves their true self behind.
But true worth, that softly gleams,
Is more than fame's fleeting dreams.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin begehrt von fern und nah,
Für große Tat bin ich oft da.
Manch Künstler träumt von mir bei Nacht,
Hab Helden groß und stolz gemacht.
Doch bin ich flüchtig, kaum zu fassen,
Kann schnell verblassen und verlassen.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I am desired from far and near,
For great deeds, I often appear.
Some artists dream of me at night,
I've made heroes great and filled with might.
But I am fleeting, hard to grasp,
Can quickly fade and leave your clasp.

What am I?

Solution: Der Ruhm (Fame)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

• Word Formation: The adjective related to "Ruhm" is "ruhmreich" (glorious) or "berühmt" (famous). A related verb is "rühmen" (to praise, to extol).
• Origin: The word stems from the Old High German "hruom," which originally meant "shout, praise." The connection to loud praise and public proclamation is therefore ancient.
• Cultural Significance: The pursuit of fame (das Streben nach Ruhm) is a recurring theme in literature, history, and mythology across many cultures.