Federal Cross of Merit
Loading your saved state.
Federal Cross of Merit
The only general order of merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, officially called the 'Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany'. It is awarded for special achievements in political, economic, cultural, intellectual, or voluntary service fields.
Für ihr lebenslanges ehrenamtliches Engagement erhielt sie das Bundesverdienstkreuz.
She received the Federal Cross of Merit for her lifelong volunteer work.
The word is made up of three parts: 'Bundes-' (federal, from Federal Republic), 'Verdienst' (merit/special achievement), and 'Kreuz' (cross, the shape of the order). So it is literally a 'merit cross of the Federal Republic'.
Die Zusammensetzung „Bundesverdienstkreuz“ erklärt die Bedeutung des Ordens sehr genau.
The compound 'Bundesverdienstkreuz' explains the meaning of the order very precisely.
This award is 'verliehen' (bestowed/awarded) on a person. Therefore, typical phrases are 'das Bundesverdienstkreuz bekommen/erhalten' (to get/receive the Federal Cross of Merit) or 'das Bundesverdienstkreuz verliehen bekommen' (to be awarded the Federal Cross of Merit).
Der Bundespräsident verleiht das Bundesverdienstkreuz.
The Federal President awards the Federal Cross of Merit.
'Bundesverdienstkreuz' (Federal Cross of Merit) is the common name for the 'Verdienstorden der Bundesrepublik Deutschland' (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany). It is Germany's highest state honor for special services to the common good.
Die Verleihung des Bundesverdienstkreuzes ist ein feierlicher Akt.
The awarding of the Federal Cross of Merit is a ceremonial act.
award / labeling
'die Auszeichnung' and 'das Bundesverdienstkreuz' both have to do with an honor for special achievements. 'Auszeichnung' is the general word: it can be a prize, a medal, or another kind of honor. 'Bundesverdienstkreuz', on the other hand, is a very specific state award in Germany. When speaking generally about an honor, 'Auszeichnung' fits. When this exact German order is meant, 'Bundesverdienstkreuz' is more precise.
Der ehemalige Bürgermeister wurde mit dem Bundesverdienstkreuz geehrt.
The former mayor was honored with the Federal Cross of Merit.
Für ihren Einsatz im Sportverein bekam Lena eine besondere Auszeichnung.
Lena received a special award for her work in the sports club.