die  Würde

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvʏʁdə/

👑 What does "die Würde" mean?

Die Würde is a feminine noun primarily having two interconnected meanings:

1. Inherent Value and Claim to Respect: This refers to the innate, inalienable value of every human being, deserving respect and esteem. This is the central meaning in the context of human rights (e.g., "Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar." - "Human dignity is inviolable." - Article 1 of the German Basic Law). It describes a state of respect, seriousness, and honor.
2. External Standing and Rank (less common in singular, more common in plural "Würden"): This can refer to social rank, an honorable position, or office. Example: jemandem eine Würde verleihen (to confer an honor/office upon someone). The plural "die Würden" is often used for academic degrees or insignia of office (e.g., akademische Würden - academic honors).

🚨 Note: The core meaning is that of human dignity (Menschenwürde), a fundamental ethical and legal concept.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Würde" in Detail

The noun "die Würde" is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular, especially when referring to the concept of human dignity. The plural "die Würden" exists but usually refers to offices or honors.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Less Common Usage

Example Sentences 📝

• Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar.
  (Human dignity is inviolable.)
• Er kämpfte für die Wahrung seiner Würde.
  (He fought to preserve his dignity. - Genitive is less common here, often uses preposition: für die Würde)
• Man begegnete ihm mit großer Würde.
  (He was treated with great dignity. - Here more adverbial: in a dignified manner)
• Sie hat ihre Würde trotz allem bewahrt.
  (She maintained her dignity despite everything.)
• Ihm wurden alle akademischen Würden verliehen.
  (All academic honors were conferred upon him. - Refers to titles/honors)

💡 How to use "die Würde"

The term "die Würde" is used in various contexts:

• Philosophy, Ethics & Law: Here, Menschenwürde (human dignity) is central. It's a fundamental value forming the basis of human rights.
• Everyday Language: People talk about maintaining or losing one's Würde, meaning not losing self-respect or the respect of others. Example: "Er ertrug die Situation mit Würde." (He endured the situation with dignity.)
• Formal Context: Can describe seriousness, solemnity, or grandeur. Example: "Die Zeremonie hatte eine besondere Würde." (The ceremony had a special dignity/solemnity.)
• Offices and Honors (often plural): "Er bekleidete hohe Würden." (He held high offices/dignities.)

Comparison: While Ehre (honor) is often linked to social recognition and reputation, Würde emphasizes inner, inherent worth and self-respect. Ansehen (standing, prestige) is purely external, based on others' opinions.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Würde"

Mnemonic for the Article (die):

Think of other abstract feminine nouns ending in -e, like die Ehre (honor) or die Gnade (grace). Die Würde fits this pattern. Imagine a queenly figure possessing die Würde.

Mnemonic for the Meaning:

"Würde" sounds a bit like "worthy". Every person is worthy of respect – that's their Würde (dignity).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Würde"

⚠️ Similar-sounding words: Bürde (burden) sounds similar but has a completely different meaning!

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Würfel immer seine Würde bewahrt?
Weil er immer auf seine Kante gekommen ist und nie das Gesicht verloren hat!

--- Translation ---

Why did the die (cube) always maintain its dignity (Würde)?
Because it always landed on its edge and never lost face! (Pun: Würfel = die/cube, Würde = dignity; 'Gesicht verlieren' = lose face)

📜 Poem about Dignity

Im Herzen tief, ein stilles Licht,
Das ist die Würde, klar und schlicht.
Sie wohnt in jedem, groß und klein,
Lässt uns als Menschen menschlich sein.
Nicht käuflich, nicht durch Rang gegeben,
Ein angeborenes, hohes Streben.
Bewahr sie gut, in Wort und Tat,
Sie ist dein wertvollster Staat.

--- Translation ---

Deep in the heart, a silent light,
That is dignity, clear and slight.
It dwells in everyone, large and small,
Lets us as humans humanly stand tall.
Not buyable, not given by rank,
An innate, high aim on life's bank.
Guard it well, in word and deed,
It is your most precious state, indeed.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin unsichtbar, doch jeder hat mich.
Man kann mich verletzen, doch nicht zerbrechen.
Im Grundgesetz steh' ich ganz vorn.
Verlierst du mich, fühlst du den Dorn.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation ---

I am invisible, yet everyone has me.
I can be harmed, but not broken completely.
In the Basic Law, I stand at the very front.
If you lose me, you feel the brunt (of the thorn).

What am I?
(Solution: die Würde / dignity)

🌐 Other Information

Word Family:

• würdig (adjective): worthy, deserving (e.g., ein würdiger Nachfolger - a worthy successor)
• würdigen (verb): to honor, acknowledge, appreciate (e.g., seine Leistung würdigen - to acknowledge his achievement)
• entwürdigen (verb): to degrade, humiliate, strip of dignity

Famous Quote:

Arguably the most famous sentence involving "Würde" is Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz): "Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar. Sie zu achten und zu schützen ist Verpflichtung aller staatlichen Gewalt." (Human dignity is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the duty of all state authority.) This sentence highlights the concept's central importance in the German legal and value system.