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
ehren
to honor
(Elevated) To keep and respect a promise, principle, or obligation.
EXAMPLE
Er war ein Mann, der sein Wort stets ehrte.
He was a man who always honored his word.
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 feiern
to celebrate
Both words can express recognition of an achievement. „Feiern“ highlights enthusiastic approval and attention, while „ehren“ refers to a formal gesture of respect or an award. Use „ehren“ when official recognition is meant, and „feiern“ when the focus is on enthusiasm.
ehren
Die Stadt ehrte die Sportlerin nach ihrem neuen Rekord mit einer Medaille.
The city honored the athlete with a medal after her new record.
feiern
Die Fans feierten die Sportlerin nach ihrem neuen Rekord begeistert.
The fans enthusiastically celebrated the athlete after her new record.
In real life
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