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Ehre
/ˈeːʁə/
honor
Es ist eine Ehre, Sie kennenzulernen.
It is an honor to meet you.
formal
a strong sense of moral integrity and respect, often tied to one's reputation or social standing
Sein Verhalten brachte seiner Familie Ehre ein.
His behavior brought honor to his family.
Often used in contexts of duty, responsibility, or personal pride.
formal
a title or form of address used to show respect, especially in formal or ceremonial settings
Eure Ehre, der König ist eingetroffen.
Your Honor, the king has arrived.
Used historically in nobility or as a respectful address.
Collocations
auf Ehre und Gewissenon my honorin Ehren haltento hold in high regardEhre, wem Ehre gebührthonor to whom honor is due
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Idiomatic vs. Literal Honor
In German, 'Ehre' often implies a deeper sense of moral duty than the English 'honor'. For example, 'Ehre' can refer to fulfilling one's obligations (e.g., 'Die Ehre des Soldaten') rather than just social prestige.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Use
Use 'Ehre' in formal or ceremonial contexts (e.g., awards, titles). In everyday speech, 'Respekt' or 'Anerkennung' may be more common for general respect.
Word Origin
From Old High German *ēra*, related to Old English *ār* (honor, mercy) and Latin *aes* (bronze, as in payment of honor). The concept of honor as a social currency has roots in medieval Germanic and Roman traditions.
Usage Notes
Ehre is a core cultural concept in German-speaking societies, often tied to personal integrity, family reputation, and social duty. It appears in idioms, formal titles, and historical contexts more prominently than in English.
Word Breakdown
Ehr-
honor, respect
root-e
feminine noun suffix
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch