die
Ehrung
🏆 What does "die Ehrung" mean?
Die Ehrung (feminine noun) refers to the act or ceremony of honoring someone or something. It's about expressing recognition, respect, or gratitude publicly or in a special way.
- It can be a formal ceremony (e.g., eine Preisverleihung - an award ceremony, eine Gedenkveranstaltung - a commemoration).
- It can also be a personal gesture of appreciation.
- The word emphasizes the process of honoring itself.
⚠️ Don't confuse 'die Ehrung' (the act of honoring) with 'die Ehre' (honor as a state or reputation).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Ehrung
The noun "Ehrung" is feminine. The article is die. It declines as follows:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ehrung |
| Genitive | der | Ehrung |
| Dative | der | Ehrung |
| Accusative | die | Ehrung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ehrungen |
| Genitive | der | Ehrungen |
| Dative | den | Ehrungen |
| Accusative | die | Ehrungen |
💬 Example Sentences
- Die Ehrung des Wissenschaftlers fand im Rathaus statt.
(The honoring of the scientist took place in the city hall.) - Er empfand die öffentliche Ehrung als große Ehre.
(He perceived the public honoring/tribute as a great honor.) - Es gab zahlreiche Ehrungen für verdiente Bürgerinnen und Bürger.
(There were numerous honors/ceremonies for deserving citizens.) - Eine posthume Ehrung wurde dem verstorbenen Künstler zuteil.
(A posthumous honor was bestowed upon the deceased artist.)
💡 How "Ehrung" is used
"Die Ehrung" is mostly used in contexts where formal or public recognition is expressed:
- Preisverleihungen (Award ceremonies): Die Ehrung der Preisträger ist der Höhepunkt der Veranstaltung. (The honoring of the award winners is the highlight of the event.)
- Jubiläen (Anniversaries): Eine Ehrung für langjährige Mitarbeiter. (An honoring/tribute for long-serving employees.)
- Gedenkfeiern (Commemorations): Die Ehrung der Gefallenen. (The honoring of the fallen.)
- Academic or professional achievements: Die Ehrung für besondere Verdienste. (The honoring for special merits.)
Compared to "die Ehre" (honor, reputation), which describes the state or principle, "die Ehrung" (honoring, tribute, ceremony) refers to the specific act or event of honoring.
Common phrases are "jemandem eine Ehrung zuteilwerden lassen" (to bestow an honor upon someone) or "eine Ehrung erfahren" (to receive an honor).
🧠 Mnemonics for Ehrung
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ung are feminine, including die Ehrung. Think of it like a celebration (which often includes an 'Ehrung') - many '-ion' words in English derive from feminine Latin nouns.
Meaning Mnemonic: "Ehrung" contains the word "Ehre" (honor). An Ehrung is an action where you give someone Ehre (honor).
🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Auszeichnung: (Award, distinction) Often associated with a physical prize or medal.
- Die Anerkennung: (Recognition, acknowledgement) Emphasizes the appreciation of achievement.
- Die Würdigung: (Appreciation, tribute) Expresses special respect and value.
- Die Huldigung: (Homage, adoration) More formal, almost submissive act of showing reverence (less common).
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Die Kränkung: (Affront, insult) An injury to someone's honor or feelings.
- Die Beleidigung: (Insult, offense) A derogatory remark or action.
- Die Missachtung: (Disregard, disrespect) Ignoring or showing contempt.
- Die Schande: (Shame, disgrace) The state of being dishonored.
⚠️ Potential Confusion:
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Was halten Sie von einer kleinen Ehrung für Ihre Pünktlichkeit diesen Monat?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Großartig! Wann fängt sie denn an und wie lange dauert die Feier?"
Chef: "Sie hat gerade stattgefunden und ist schon vorbei. Es war ein anerkennendes Nicken."
Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "What do you think about a small honoring/tribute for your punctuality this month?"
The employee replies: "Great! When does it start and how long does the celebration last?"
Boss: "It just took place and is already over. It was an appreciative nod."
✍️ Poem about Ehrung
Ein Kranz, ein Wort, ein Händedruck,
Die Ehrung kommt, Stück für Stück.
Für Mut, für Fleiß, für langes Streben,
Soll Anerkennung es nun geben.
Ein Augenblick im Rampenlicht,
Vergessen sei die Mühe nicht.
Translation:
A wreath, a word, a handshake's touch,
The honoring comes, meaning much.
For courage, work, for striving long,
Let recognition make them strong.
A moment shining in the light,
Remembering the effort's might.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin ein Akt, oft feierlich,
Bring' Lob und Dank, ganz sicherlich.
Man gibt mich dem, der's hat verdient,
Bin öffentlich, wie es geziemt.
Mal mit Pokal, mal mit Applaus,
Hol' ich Verdienste deutlich raus.
Was bin ich, dieser schöne Brauch?
Man gibt mich gern, empfängt mich auch.
Translation:
I am an act, often solemn,
Bringing praise and thanks, for certain.
I'm given to those who have earned their due,
Publicly displayed, it's true.
Sometimes with trophy, sometimes applause,
I highlight merits without pause.
What am I, this custom fine?
Given gladly, received benign.
Answer: die Ehrung (the honoring / tribute / ceremony)
✨ More Tidbits
Word Formation (Wortbildung):
"Die Ehrung" is a noun derived from the verb "ehren" (to honor). The suffix "-ung" is commonly used in German to form nouns from verbs, often describing the process or result of the action (e.g., warnen -> die Warnung (warning), hoffen -> die Hoffnung (hope)).
- Root: Ehre (noun) / ehr- (verb stem)
- Suffix: -ung
Related Terms (Verwandte Begriffe):
- ehren (verb): to honor, to pay tribute to.
- ehrenamtlich (adjective): voluntary, honorary (often describing unpaid community work).
- ehrenwert (adjective): honorable, respectable.
- Ehrengast (noun): guest of honor.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ehrung?
The German word Ehrung is feminine. The correct article is die Ehrung. The plural form is die Ehrungen.