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.
member
'das Mitglied' and 'das Ehrenmitglied' both belong to the area of clubs or organizations. 'Mitglied' is the general term for a person who belongs to one. 'Ehrenmitglied' is a special type of member: the person receives this status as an honor, often because of special help or long service. Learners may confuse the words because an honorary member is also a member. But not every member is an honorary member. If only normal belonging is important, you say 'Mitglied'. If the honor is important, you say 'Ehrenmitglied'.
Nach vierzig Jahren im Verein wurde Frau Becker Ehrenmitglied.
After forty years in the club, Mrs. Becker became an honorary member.
Meine Kollegin ist seit Jahren Mitglied im Chor.
My colleague has been a member of the choir for years.