honorary member
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honorary member
A person who is granted membership in a club or organization as a special honor, often without the usual duties or fees.
Nach 50 Jahren im Verein wurde er zum Ehrenmitglied ernannt.
After 50 years in the club, he was named an honorary member.
The word is composed of 'Ehre' (honor), the linking -n, and 'Mitglied' (member). So it literally refers to a member who is appointed in someone's honor.
Die Ernennung zum Ehrenmitglied ist die höchste Auszeichnung des Vereins.
Being named an honorary member is the club's highest distinction.
You do not simply become an honorary member; you are 'ernannt' (appointed) as one. The fixed expression is 'jemanden zum Ehrenmitglied ernennen' (to appoint someone as an honorary member) or, in the passive, 'zum Ehrenmitglied ernannt werden' (to be appointed an honorary member).
Der Vorstand beschloss, ihn zum Ehrenmitglied zu ernennen.
The board decided to appoint him as an honorary member.
The term 'Ehrenmitglied' (honorary member) is used almost exclusively in connection with clubs, associations, academies, or other organizations.
Als Ehrenmitglied des Schachklubs muss er keinen Beitrag mehr zahlen.
As an honorary member of the chess club, he no longer has to pay dues.
