awe / reverence
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awe / reverence
A feeling of deep respect and admiration, often mixed with shyness or fear, toward something or someone perceived as sublime, powerful, or holy.
Die Besucher betrachteten die riesige Kathedrale mit Ehrfurcht.
The visitors looked at the huge cathedral with awe.
The word is made up of 'Ehre' (honor/respect) and 'Furcht' (fear). So it describes a feeling that is a mixture of deep respect and a slight shyness or fear before something great or holy.
Die jungen Forscher blickten mit Ehrfurcht zu dem erfahrenen Nobelpreisträger auf.
The young researchers looked up to the experienced Nobel Prize winner with awe.
'Ehrfurcht' (awe/reverence) is almost always used with the preposition 'vor' (before/toward) and the dative. You have or feel Ehrfurcht before someone or something.
Er hatte große Ehrfurcht vor der Weisheit seiner Großmutter.
He had great reverence for his grandmother's wisdom.
Common verbs used with 'Ehrfurcht' (awe/reverence) are 'Ehrfurcht haben/empfinden' (to have/feel awe), 'mit Ehrfurcht erfüllen' (to fill with awe), or 'etwas mit Ehrfurcht betrachten' (to look at something with awe).
Die Stille in der alten Bibliothek erfüllte ihn mit Ehrfurcht.
The silence in the old library filled him with awe.
The word 'Ehrfurcht' (awe/reverence) belongs to an elevated, rather formal style. It is used mainly in written language or when you want to express strong admiration.
In seinem Bericht beschrieb er die Naturwunder des Landes mit spürbarer Ehrfurcht.
In his report, he described the country's natural wonders with noticeable awe.
respect
'Respekt' and 'Ehrfurcht' both have to do with respect. 'Respekt' is used in many normal situations, for example toward people, rules, achievements, or boundaries. 'Ehrfurcht' is much stronger and more solemn. It describes deep respect, often together with admiration and a sense of awe or reverence, for example toward something very great, powerful, holy, or special. The words can be confused because 'Ehrfurcht' is a kind of very strong respect. In everyday life, however, 'Respekt' is usually more natural; 'Ehrfurcht' only fits special, impressive situations.
Vor den hohen Bergen steht die Familie morgen sicher mit großer Ehrfurcht.
Tomorrow, the family will surely stand before the high mountains with great awe.
In der Pause behandelt die Kundin den Fahrer mit Respekt und wartet geduldig.
During the break, the customer treats the driver with respect and waits patiently.