die
Ehre
👑 What does "die Ehre" mean?
Die Ehre (feminine) is a complex German word with several related meanings:
- Esteem and Reputation: The high regard in which a person or group is held in society, based on integrity, achievement, or status. Example: Er verteidigte seine Ehre (He defended his honor).
- Dignity and Self-Respect: A person's inner sense of worth and integrity. Example: Es war eine Frage der Ehre, das Versprechen zu halten (It was a matter of honor to keep the promise).
- Distinction or Privilege: Special recognition or the favor of being allowed to do something. Example: Es ist mir eine Ehre, Sie kennenzulernen (It is an honor for me to meet you). / Der Ehrendoktortitel wurde ihm verliehen (The honorary doctorate was awarded to him).
- Virtue (dated): Especially the sexual integrity of a woman (this meaning is now very outdated and viewed critically).
⚠️ The term "Ehre" can be strongly influenced by cultural and historical context. In some contexts (e.g., "Ehrenmord" - honor killing), it carries an extremely negative and problematic connotation.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Ehre
The noun "die Ehre" is feminine. It is primarily used in the singular. The plural ("die Ehren") is rare and mostly restricted to specific contexts (e.g., honors, tributes).
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | die Ehre | eine Ehre |
| Genitive (Whose?) | der Ehre | einer Ehre |
| Dative (To whom?) | der Ehre | einer Ehre |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | die Ehre | eine Ehre |
Declension Plural - Rare
| Case | Definite Article |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Ehren |
| Genitive | der Ehren |
| Dative | den Ehren |
| Accusative | die Ehren |
📝 Example Sentences
- Die Ehre des Soldaten wurde wiederhergestellt. (The soldier's honor was restored.)
- Es geht um meine persönliche Ehre. (It's about my personal honor.)
- Wir erweisen dem Gast die Ehre. (We pay honor/respect to the guest.)
- Sie empfand es als große Ehre, eingeladen zu werden. (She considered it a great honor to be invited.)
🗣️ How to use "die Ehre"?
"Die Ehre" is often a formal or elevated word, but it can also appear in everyday idioms.
Typical Contexts and Idioms:
- Jemandem die Ehre erweisen: To show someone respect or recognition. (Wir erwiesen dem Verstorbenen die letzte Ehre. - We paid our last respects to the deceased.)
- Etwas als Ehre empfinden: To feel honored by something. (Ich empfinde es als Ehre, hier sprechen zu dürfen. - I consider it an honor to be allowed to speak here.)
- Auf Ehre und Gewissen: A very strong assurance of telling the truth ('on my honor and conscience'). (Ich versichere es auf Ehre und Gewissen. - I assure you on my honor and conscience.)
- Zu Ehren von jemandem/etwas: In honor of someone/something (an event held to honor someone/something). (Das Fest findet zu Ehren des Gründers statt. - The celebration is held in honor of the founder.)
- Ehrensache: A matter of honor; something one does out of decency or a sense of duty. (Natürlich helfe ich dir, das ist doch Ehrensache! - Of course I'll help you, that's a matter of honor!)
- Seine Ehre verlieren/verteidigen/wiederherstellen: To lose/defend/restore one's honor (referring to reputation).
Comparison: While Respekt (respect) is often earned and refers to specific behavior, Ehre is often a more abstract concept linked to status, reputation, and inner dignity. Ansehen (standing, reputation) is similar to the reputational aspect of Ehre. Würde (dignity) emphasizes more the inherent worth of a person.
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Ehre"
Article Mnemonic (die):
Remember that abstract concepts expressing dignity or high value in German are often feminine: die Würde (dignity), die Tugend (virtue), die Gerechtigkeit (justice) – and also die Ehre. Picture a queen (who is 'die Königin') defending her honor ('die Ehre').
Meaning Mnemonic (Honor, Reputation, Privilege):
Think of the English phrase "Give her Ehre!" (pronounced like 'air-eh'), meaning give her respect/honor. Or imagine someone getting an 'honor-ary' degree - that's a privilege, an 'Ehre'. The word sounds a bit like 'heir', and an heir often inherits status and honor.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for die Ehre
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Ansehen: Reputation, standing. (Focus on external perception)
- Ruhm: Fame, glory. (Widespread high esteem, often through great deeds)
- Würde: Dignity. (Inner worth and self-respect; also the respect due to someone)
- Respekt: Respect. (Regard for someone/something)
- Achtung: Esteem, respect (often slightly more formal).
- Prestige: Prestige. (Social status based on success, power, etc.)
- Integrität: Integrity. (Uprightness, a basis for honor)
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Schande: Shame, disgrace.
- Unehre: Dishonor.
- Schmach: Ignominy, humiliation (affront to honor).
- Entehrung: Defamation, dishonoring (the act of).
- Verruf: Disrepute, bad reputation.
- Missachtung: Disregard, disrespect.
⚠️ Similar Words:
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist die Steigerung von Ehre?"
(The teacher asks: "Fritzie, what's the comparative/superlative form of honor?")
Fritzchen überlegt kurz und sagt: "Mehr Ehre?"
(Fritzie thinks for a moment and says: "More honor?")
Lehrer: "Nein, denk mal an eine Veranstaltung."
(Teacher: "No, think of an event.")
Fritzchen: "Ah! Ehrenrunde!"
(Fritzie: "Ah! Lap of honor!")
(Note: This is a play on words. 'Ehrenrunde' means 'lap of honor' but literally sounds like 'honor round', and Fritzchen humorously treats it as a grammatical 'round' or level of honor.)
📜 Poem about Ehre
Die Ehre
Die Ehre, fein gesponnenes Band,
(Honor, a finely spun ribbon,)
Getragen stolz in Herz und Hand.
(Carried proudly in heart and hand.)
Sie leuchtet hell, wo Tugend wacht,
(It shines brightly where virtue watches,)
Verliert sich schnell in dunkler Nacht.
(Is quickly lost in darkest night.)
Ein Wort, ein Blick, kann sie verletzen,
(A word, a glance, can injure it,)
Man muss sie schützen, hoch sie schätzen.
(One must protect it, value it highly.)
Kein Gold der Welt kann sie ersetzen,
(No gold on earth can replace it,)
Wenn man beginnt, sie zu zerfetzen.
(If one begins to tear it apart.)
Doch wahre Ehre, tief im Sein,
(But true honor, deep within,)
Ist mehr als äußerlicher Schein.
(Is more than outward appearance.)
Ist Würde, Mut und graden Sinn,
(Is dignity, courage, and an upright mind,)
Ein innerlicher Hauptgewinn.
(An inner grand prize.)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin unsichtbar, doch jeder spricht von mir.
(I am invisible, yet everyone speaks of me.)
Man kann mich haben, verlieren oder geben hier.
(You can have me, lose me, or give me here.)
Für manche bin ich höchstes Gut,
(For some, I am the highest good,)
Verletz' ich dich, kochst du vor Wut.
(If I hurt you, you boil with rage.)
Man kann sie jemandem erweisen,
(One can bestow it upon someone,)
Und manchmal muss man sie beweisen.
(And sometimes one must prove it.)
Was bin ich? / What am I?
Lösung / Answer: die Ehre (honor)
💡 More about Ehre
- Word Components: "Ehre" is a base word but forms many compounds like Ehrenamt (voluntary, unpaid position/work), Ehrenbürger (honorary citizen), Ehrenkodex (code of honor), Ehrentitel (honorary title), Ehrenmann/Ehrenfrau (colloquial term for a loyal, trustworthy person - literally 'man/woman of honor').
- Etymology: The word comes from the Old High German "êra", which meant 'reverence, esteem, fame, gift'. It has Germanic roots.
- Cultural Significance: The concept of honor plays a central role in many cultures, although its manifestations can vary greatly. In German, it is often linked to personal integrity, reliability, and social standing.
Summary: is it der, die or das Ehre?
The correct article for "Ehre" is die. So, it is die Ehre. It's a feminine noun primarily used in the singular, encompassing concepts like esteem, dignity, and respect.
