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
Both Respekt and Ehrfurcht express respect toward a powerful or impressive person. Ehrfurcht is deeper and often associated with shyness or a sense of grandeur, while Respekt can also be matter-of-fact and free of intimidation. Use Respekt in everyday interactions and Ehrfurcht when faced with especially overwhelming power or greatness.
Die Besucher betrachteten den mächtigen König mit Ehrfurcht und großer Scheu.
The visitors looked at the powerful king with awe and great trepidation.
Ich begegne dem Direktor mit Respekt, weil er viel Verantwortung trägt.
I treat the director with respect because he carries a great deal of responsibility.
