die Berühmtheit
fame
The state of being widely known and recognized by the public; renown.
EXAMPLE
Die junge Sängerin erlangte über Nacht weltweite Berühmtheit.
The young singer gained worldwide fame overnight.
die Berühmtheit
fame / celebrity
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Meanings
die Berühmtheit
celebrity
A person who is very well known to the public; a famous person or star.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Filmpremiere waren zahlreiche Berühmtheiten anwesend.
Numerous celebrities were present at the film premiere.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the adjective 'berühmt' (famous) and the ending '-heit'. The ending '-heit' turns adjectives into feminine nouns that describe a state or quality.
EXAMPLE
Aus dem Adjektiv „schön“ wird mit „-heit“ das Nomen „die Schönheit“.
With '-heit', the adjective 'schön' (beautiful) becomes the noun 'die Schönheit' (beauty).
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If the word is used uncountably for a state, it means 'Ruhm' (fame). If it is used countably for a person, often with the article 'eine' (a) or in the plural, it refers to a celebrity.
EXAMPLE
Sie strebte nach Berühmtheit. (Ruhm)
She strove for fame. (renown)
Typical collocations
When 'Berühmtheit' (fame) refers to the state of being known, it is often combined with verbs such as 'erlangen' (to gain), 'genießen' (to enjoy), or 'zu Berühmtheit gelangen' (to achieve fame).
EXAMPLE
Durch den Film gelangte er über Nacht zu großer Berühmtheit.
Through the film, he achieved great fame overnight.
Plural form
Only in the meaning 'bekannte Person' (well-known person) can the word appear in the plural: 'die Berühmtheiten' (the celebrities). The state 'Ruhm' (fame) has no plural form.
EXAMPLE
Zur Gala kamen viele Berühmtheiten aus Film und Musik.
Many celebrities from film and music came to the gala.
Compare with
Berühmtheit vs Star
star / starling / cataract
Star and Berühmtheit both refer to a very well-known person. Star additionally emphasizes great success and high standing, often in film, music, or sports; with Berühmtheit, the focus is primarily on being publicly well known.
Berühmtheit
Durch ihre vielen öffentlichen Auftritte wurde die Schauspielerin zu einer lokalen Berühmtheit.
Through her many public appearances, the actress became a local celebrity.
Star
Nach mehreren großen Filmerfolgen wurde die Schauspielerin zum internationalen Star.
After several major film successes, the actress became an international star.
In real life
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