01
ehren
to honor
To publicly show respect, recognition, or give an award to someone or something.
example
Die Stadt ehrt die berühmte Schriftstellerin mit einer eigenen Straße.
The city is honoring the famous writer with a street of her own.
ehren
to honor
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'ehren' (to honor) is derived directly from the noun 'die Ehre' (honor). It literally means to show someone honor or to regard something as honorable and therefore keep it.
EXAMPLE
Es ist mir eine große Ehre, heute hier sprechen zu dürfen.
It is a great honor for me to be allowed to speak here today.
Register
The verb 'ehren' (to honor) belongs more to formal or official language. You often find it in speeches, at ceremonies, or in written language.
EXAMPLE
Die Universität ehrt den Professor für sein Lebenswerk.
The university is honoring the professor for his life's work.
Sentence structure with prepositions
When you state the reason for or the manner of the honor, use the prepositions 'für' with the accusative or 'mit' with the dative. You honor someone 'für' (for) their actions or 'mit' (with) an award.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde für seine Tapferkeit geehrt.
He was honored for his bravery.
Typical collocations
In the elevated meaning of keeping an obligation, 'ehren' (to honor) is often used with abstract nouns such as 'sein Wort' (one's word), 'ein Versprechen' (a promise), or 'eine Abmachung' (an agreement).
EXAMPLE
Sie war eine Frau, die ihre Versprechen immer ehrte.
She was a woman who always honored her promises.
Compare with
ehren vs erfüllen
to fulfill
'erfüllen' and 'ehren' can both be used with promises, duties, or obligations. 'erfüllen' is the normal word when you do something that is required or expected. 'ehren' sounds elevated in this meaning and emphasizes that you respect a promise or principle and take it seriously. Learners may confuse the words because, for example, you can both 'ein Versprechen erfüllen' (fulfill a promise) and 'ein Versprechen ehren' (honor a promise). In everyday language, 'ein Versprechen erfüllen' is usually more natural; 'ein Versprechen ehren' sounds more ceremonial.
ehren
Mein Kollege ehrt sein Versprechen und hilft dem Team auch nach der Arbeit.
My colleague honors his promise and helps the team even after work.
erfüllen
Du erfüllst die Aufgabe, wenn du alle Fragen bis Freitag beantwortest.
You fulfill the task if you answer all the questions by Friday.
In real life
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