die  Hochachtung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/hoːxˈʔaχtʊŋ/

🧐 What does "die Hochachtung" mean?

Die Hochachtung describes a feeling or attitude of great respect, deep appreciation, and esteem towards a person, an achievement, or an institution. It represents a stronger form than simple Achtung (respect) or Respekt.

It is an abstract noun and is almost exclusively used in the singular. Die Hochachtung expresses a high opinion and admiration.

🚨 Important: Although Achtung can also mean caution or attention, Hochachtung always clearly refers to respect and esteem.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar in Detail: die Hochachtung

The word "Hochachtung" is a feminine noun. The correct article is therefore die.

Declension

Hochachtung is mainly used in the singular. A plural form (Hochachtungen) is very rare and uncommon.

Example Sentences

• Er sprach mit großer Hochachtung über seine ehemalige Lehrerin.
  (He spoke with great respect about his former teacher.)
• Wir bringen den Opfern unsere Hochachtung entgegen.
  (We show our respect to the victims.)
• Ihre Leistungen verdienen höchste Hochachtung.
  (Her achievements deserve the highest esteem.)
• In dem Brief drückte er seine Hochachtung für ihre Arbeit aus.
  (In the letter, he expressed his high regard for her work.)

🤔 How to use "Hochachtung"?

Hochachtung is mostly used in formal contexts, both spoken and written. It expresses a degree of respect that goes beyond everyday politeness.

• Formal Writing: The closing formula "Mit Hochachtung" (With high esteem/Yours faithfully) at the end of very formal letters or emails is particularly well-known. It is somewhat dated and very distant today, but still used in certain official or conservative circles. Alternatives include "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" (Yours sincerely/Best regards - standard) or "Hochachtungsvoll" (Respectfully yours).
• Public Speeches/Tributes: One expresses (ausdrücken) or shows (entgegenbringen) their Hochachtung for someone to honour their achievements, character, or position.
• Difference from "Respekt": While Respekt is common in everyday life and expresses basic recognition, Hochachtung is stronger, more formal, and often implies a certain admiration or reverence (Ehrerbietung).

⚠️ Avoid using Hochachtung excessively or inappropriately in informal situations, as it can sound stiff or insincere.

💡 Memory Aids for "die Hochachtung"

For the article "die": Think of other formal, respectful concepts often associated with femininity in German grammar, like die Ehre (the honour) or die Würde (the dignity). Connect die Hochachtung to these related feminine nouns.

For the meaning: Imagine looking hoch (high up) at someone with Achtung (respect/attention). Combining these gives you Hochachtung – high respect or esteem.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🔍 Similar words: Be careful, Achtung alone can also mean Caution! or Attention! (e.g., "Achtung, Stufe!" - Mind the step!). However, Hochachtung always refers exclusively to respect.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie eigentlich Hochachtung vor mir?" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Aber ja, Herr Direktor! Jeden Morgen, wenn ich aufwache, denke ich: Hoch! Achtung! Aufstehen und zur Arbeit gehen!"

English Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Do you actually have high respect (Hochachtung) for me?" The employee replies: "But of course, Mr. Director! Every morning when I wake up, I think: High! Attention! (Hoch! Achtung!) Get up and go to work!"

(The joke plays on the literal components "hoch" (high/up) and "Achtung" (attention/respect).)

📜 A Little Poem

Die Hochachtung, ein stilles Wort,
getragen an den rechten Ort.
Für Taten groß, für weisen Sinn,
liegt tiefer Respekt darin.
Nicht laut, doch klar und rein,
soll sie ein Zeichen sein.

---

English Translation:
High esteem, a silent word,
Carried to the place preferred.
For actions great, for wisdom's art,
Deep respect lies in the heart.
Not loud, but clear and pure,
May it be a sign that will endure.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin mehr als nur Respekt,
bin oft in Briefen gut versteckt.
Ich zeige an, wie sehr man ehrt,
bin tief empfunden, viel wert.
Man bringt mich entgegen, spricht mich aus,
für manchen Helden, manchen Graus (wenn ironisch).

Was bin ich?

---

English Translation:
I am more than just respect,
Often in letters, I'm well-kept.
I show how much one honours thee,
Am deeply felt, valuable to see.
One offers me, speaks me aloud,
For heroes sometimes, or the crowd (if ironic).

What am I? (Solution: die Hochachtung - high esteem/respect)

✨ More Information

Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "Hochachtung" is a compound of:

• hoch: (high) Adjective/adverb indicating a high position, intensity, or quality.
• Achtung: (respect, attention) Noun derived from achten (to pay attention to, respect, value).

The combination intensifies the meaning of Achtung to a high degree of respect.

The Closing "Mit Hochachtung"

This closing formula (Grußformel) is considered very formal and distant. It's used less frequently today than in the past, but can still be appropriate in very official correspondence (e.g., with authorities, in academic or legal contexts). It signals respect for the recipient's position or institution, but little personal warmth. A standard closing is "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" (Yours sincerely / Best regards).