die
Reputation
🧐 What Exactly is eine Reputation?
Die Reputation (noun, feminine) refers to the general Ansehen (standing, esteem), Ruf (reputation), or Image (image) that a person, group, organization, or even a thing enjoys in public or among specific groups. It's the prevailing opinion about someone or something, based on past actions, achievements, or characteristics.
A Reputation can be good (gut) or bad (schlecht) and is often the result of long-term experiences and perceptions. It's an important social and often economic factor.
🚨 Unlike 'der Ruf', which can also be more short-term, 'die Reputation' is often more established and harder to change.
📝 Grammar at a Glance: Die Reputation
The word 'Reputation' is a feminine noun. Its article is 'die'. It is mainly used in the singular, as it often describes an abstract concept. The plural ('die Reputationen') is rare and usually refers to different types of reputation or the reputations of various entities.
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Reputation | eine Reputation |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Reputation | einer Reputation |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Reputation | einer Reputation |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Reputation | eine Reputation |
| Case | Definite Article |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Reputationen |
| Genitive | der Reputationen |
| Dative | den Reputationen |
| Accusative | die Reputationen |
💬 Example Sentences
- Das Unternehmen hat eine ausgezeichnete Reputation für Qualität.
(The company has an excellent reputation for quality.) - Er muss hart arbeiten, um seine beschädigte Reputation wiederherzustellen.
(He has to work hard to restore his damaged reputation.) - Die Reputation des Politikers litt unter dem Skandal.
(The politician's reputation suffered because of the scandal.) - Eine gute Reputation ist schwer aufzubauen, aber leicht zu verlieren.
(A good reputation is hard to build but easy to lose.)
💡 How to Use 'die Reputation'
The term 'die Reputation' is often used in more formal or elevated contexts, while 'der Ruf' is somewhat more common in everyday language. Here are some typical areas of application:
- Wirtschaft & Beruf (Business & Profession): The Reputation of a company influences customer trust and business success. A person's professional Reputation is crucial for their career.
- Öffentliches Leben (Public Life): Politicians, artists, and other public figures pay close attention to their Reputation.
- Soziales Umfeld (Social Environment): Even in private life, one speaks of a person's Reputation regarding their standing in the community.
One often speaks of a 'gute Reputation' (good reputation), 'schlechte Reputation' (bad reputation), 'solide Reputation' (solid reputation), 'zweifelhafte Reputation' (doubtful reputation), or a 'beschädigte Reputation' (damaged reputation).
Verbs commonly used with Reputation: haben (to have), genießen (to enjoy), aufbauen (to build up), verlieren (to lose), schaden (to damage), wahren (to maintain), verteidigen (to defend), wiederherstellen (to restore).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Reputation'
Article Mnemonic: Think of a reputation as something that needs protection (-tion endings are usually feminine -> die). Or imagine an elegant lady (feminine -> die) defending her good Reputation at a gala.
Meaning Mnemonic: 'Reputation' sounds almost identical to the English word 'reputation'. Just remember it refers to how someone is reputed, their standing or Ruf.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Same or Similar Meaning (Synonyms):
The Opposite (Antonyms):
- der Verruf: (disrepute; in Verruf geraten = to fall into disrepute)
- der schlechte Ruf: (bad reputation)
- die Ehrlosigkeit: (dishonor)
- der Ansehensverlust: (loss of prestige/reputation)
⚠️ Caution: Although 'Image' is often used synonymously, it relates more strongly to the consciously created picture, whereas 'Reputation' is more the result of actual perceptions and experiences.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef seinen neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie Referenzen?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, jede Menge! Überall heißt es: 'Wir hoffen, dass er bei Ihnen eine bessere Reputation aufbaut!'"
Translation:
The boss asks his new employee: "Do you have references?"
The employee replies: "Yes, lots! Everywhere it says: 'We hope he builds a better reputation with you!'"
📜 Poem about Reputation
Die Reputation, ein zartes Gut,
entspringt aus Taten, Ehr' und Mut.
Einmal verloren, schwer zurückgewonnen,
hat sie über Wohl und Weh gesonnen.
Sie eilt voraus, ein stiller Schall,
im besten oder schlimmsten Fall.
Drum pflege sie mit Bedacht und Zeit,
die Reputation, für die Ewigkeit.
Translation:
Reputation, a delicate asset,
Springs from deeds, honor, and courage.
Once lost, hard to regain,
It has contemplated well-being and woe.
It rushes ahead, a silent sound,
In the best or worst case.
Therefore, tend it with care and time,
Reputation, for eternity.
🧩 Who or What Am I?
Ich bin nicht sichtbar, doch jeder kennt mich.
Man baut mich langsam auf, doch schnell zerbricht mich.
Ich kann glänzen oder schmutzig sein,
ich bin der öffentliche Schein.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: die Reputation
Translation:
I am not visible, yet everyone knows me.
I am built up slowly, but quickly broken.
I can shine or be dirty,
I am the public appearance/facade.
What am I?
Answer: die Reputation (reputation)
🌐 Other Interesting Details
- Etymology: The word 'Reputation' comes from the Latin 'reputatio', meaning 'calculation', 'consideration', or 'reflection'. It derives from the verb 'reputare' ('to calculate repeatedly', 'to consider').
- Compound Words: You often find the word in compounds like Reputationsschaden (damage to reputation), Reputationsmanagement (reputation management), or Reputationsrisiko (reputational risk).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Reputation?
The German word 'Reputation' is feminine. The correct article is die Reputation. It means the standing or esteem of a person or thing.