die  Laudatio

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/laʊˈdaːt͡si̯oː/

📜 What exactly is a Laudatio?

A Laudatio (plural: Laudationes) is a formal speech given to publicly praise and honor a person, an achievement, or an event. It's typically delivered at award ceremonies, honors events, anniversaries, or farewells.

The term comes from Latin (laudatio = praise, eulogy). In German, the word is feminine: die Laudatio.

⚠️ Don't confuse a Laudatio with a simple biography; the focus is clearly on positive highlighting and appreciation.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Laudatio

The noun „Laudatio“ is feminine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der Professor hielt eine bewegende Laudatio auf seinen scheidenden Kollegen.
   (The professor gave a moving eulogy/praise speech for his departing colleague.)
2. Die Laudatio für den Preisträger wurde vom Bürgermeister verlesen.
   (The laudation for the award winner was read by the mayor.)
3. Während der Laudatio wurden viele Anekdoten erzählt.
   (During the laudation, many anecdotes were told.)
4. Man bat ihn, die Laudatio zu schreiben.
   (He was asked to write the laudation.)

🎤 When and how to use "Laudatio"?

The term Laudatio is mainly used in formal or semi-formal contexts. Typical occasions include:

• 🏆 Award ceremonies (e.g., film awards, literature prizes)
• 🏅 Honors and distinctions
• 🎉 Anniversaries (e.g., company anniversary, service anniversary)
• 👋 Farewells (e.g., retirement)
• 🎓 Academic ceremonies

A Laudatio is more than just praise. It aims to substantiate the merits of the honored person and emphasize their significance. It is often personal but should always be respectful and appropriate.

Comparison: A Lobrede is a synonym but might sound slightly more general and perhaps less formal than Laudatio. A Grabrede (funeral speech) also honors someone but has a different occasion and often a more melancholic tone.

🧠 Mnemonics for Laudatio

1. Article Mnemonic: Imagine an elegant lady (feminine, like die) giving a laudable (Laudatio) speech. The feminine imagery helps remember the article "die".

2. Meaning Mnemonic: "Laudatio" sounds like "loud action" of praise. It's a speech where someone's positive actions are praised loudly (publicly). Or think of the English word "laud" (to praise), which shares the same Latin root laus.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Be careful not to confuse with:

• Predigt: (Sermon) Religious speech.
• Vortrag: (Lecture/Presentation) Neutral presentation of a topic.
• Referat: (Report/Paper) Factual report, often in academic/school contexts.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Redner nach seiner Laudatio den Geehrten: "War es sehr langweilig?"

Antwortet der Geehrte: "Nein, nein, gar nicht! Aber sagen Sie mal, wer war eigentlich dieser fantastische Mensch, über den Sie die ganze Zeit gesprochen haben?" 😉

(After his laudation, the speaker asks the honoree: "Was it very boring?"
The honoree replies: "No, no, not at all! But tell me, who was that fantastic person you were talking about the whole time?") 😉

✍️ Poem about the Laudatio

Worte fließen, fein und klar,
für einen Menschen, wunderbar.
Die Laudatio erklingt im Raum,
erfüllt den festlich lichten Traum.

Verdienste werden aufgezählt,
was diesen Menschen hat beseelt.
Ein Lobgesang, mit Herz und Sinn,
das ist der Laudatio Gewinn.

(Words flow, fine and clear,
For a person, wonderful, dear.
The Laudatio resounds in the room,
Fulfilling the festive, bright dream's bloom.

Merits are listed and told,
What inspired this person, brave and bold.
A song of praise, with heart and mind,
That is the gain the Laudatio will find.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin eine Rede, feierlich und lang,
voll Lob und Anerkennung, heller Klang.
Bei Preis und Ehrung hörst du meinen Schall,
ich würdige Verdienste, überall.
Mein Artikel ist feminin, merk es dir,
wer bin ich, sag es nun geschwind zu mir?

(I am a speech, solemn and long,
Full of praise and recognition, a bright song.
At awards and honors, you hear my sound,
I honor merits, all around.

My article is feminine, remember this clue,
Who am I? Tell me quickly, do!)

Solution: die Laudatio

🌐 Other Information

Etymology: The word "Laudatio" comes directly from Latin. It derives from the verb laudare (to praise) and the noun laus (praise, glory, honor).

Cultural Significance: Laudationes are an important part of many ceremonies and often reflect societal values by highlighting which achievements or qualities are considered particularly honorable.