to be proper / to be due
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to be proper
In the expression 'wie es sich gebührt' (as is proper) or standing alone, used to express that something conforms to the rules of decency or politeness.
Es gebührt sich nicht, mit vollem Mund zu sprechen.
It is not proper to speak with your mouth full.
to be due
Elevated style for: to be owed to someone, to belong to someone by right or by nature. Usually used with a dative object.
Dem Sieger gebühren Ruhm und Ehre.
Fame and honor are due to the winner.
The verb 'gebühren' (to be proper / to be due) belongs to elevated or formal language. It is rarely used in everyday speech.
Der Respekt, der älteren Menschen gebührt, sollte selbstverständlich sein.
The respect that is due to older people should be a matter of course.
The person to whom something is due or for whom something is appropriate is always in the dative. This is a fixed rule for this verb.
Dem Autor gebührt große Anerkennung für sein Werk.
Great recognition is due to the author for his work.
The impersonal, reflexive form 'es gebührt sich' (it is proper) is especially common. It is often used in the fixed expression 'wie es sich gebührt' (as is proper) or in sentences like 'Es gebührt sich nicht, das zu tun' (It is not proper to do that).
Er bedankte sich höflich, wie es sich gebührt.
He thanked them politely, as is proper.
In this meaning, the thing that is due to someone is the subject in the nominative. The person to whom it is due is the dative object.
Der Kanzlerin gebührt der erste Platz in der Rednerliste.
First place on the speakers' list is due to the chancellor.
to earn / deserve
Both words fit when someone is to receive recognition or credit for an achievement. „Verdienen“ emphasizes that the person has earned this through their effort; „gebühren“ sounds elevated and describes what is due to them by nature or because of the situation. In everyday speech, „verdienen“ is usually the more appropriate choice.
Für ihren langen Einsatz gebührt der Helferin großes Lob.
For her long commitment, the volunteer is due great praise.
Für ihren langen Einsatz verdient die Helferin großes Lob.
For her long commitment, the volunteer deserves great praise.
