Ansehen

/ˈanˌzeːən/
reputation

Sein Ansehen in der Firma ist sehr hoch.

His reputation at the company is very high.


neutral

The general opinion or judgment of someone or something based on their character, abilities, or achievements.

Das Unternehmen genießt weltweit ein gutes Ansehen.

The company enjoys a good reputation worldwide.

Sein Ansehen als Wissenschaftler ist unbestritten.

His reputation as a scientist is undisputed.

Often used in formal or professional contexts to describe social or professional standing.

neutral

The act of looking at or observing something; view.

Das Ansehen der Landschaft war atemberaubend.

The view of the landscape was breathtaking.

Less common in modern usage; more typical in literary or descriptive contexts.

Collocations

an Ansehen gewinnento gain reputationan Ansehen verlierento lose reputationhohes Ansehen genießento enjoy high reputation

Related Phrases

im Ansehen stehenphrase
to be held in high regard

Pro Tip

Collocation Focus

Pair 'Ansehen' with verbs like 'gewinnen' (gain), 'verlieren' (lose), or 'genießen' (enjoy) to express changes in reputation. Example: 'Die Firma hat an Ansehen verloren.'

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'Ansehen' in formal contexts (e.g., business reports, academic writing). For casual speech, 'Ruf' (reputation) or 'Image' (image) are more common.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'ansēhen', from Old High German 'anasēhan' (to look at, observe), composed of 'an' (at, to) and 'sēhan' (to see). The sense of 'reputation' developed from the idea of being 'seen' or recognized in a positive light.

Usage Notes

Ansehen is a strong noun often used in formal contexts (e.g., business, academia, politics). It implies a collective judgment rather than personal opinion. The plural 'Ansehens' is rare and typically used in abstract or legal contexts (e.g., 'aus Gründen des öffentlichen Ansehens').

Word Breakdown

an
at/to
prefix
+
sehen
to see
root
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