01
der Götze
idol
An image or object that is worshipped as a deity; a false god.
example
In der Antike beteten viele Völker zu Götzen aus Stein oder Holz.
In antiquity, many peoples prayed to idols made of stone or wood.
der Götze
idol
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word origin
The word 'Götze' (idol) is a historical diminutive form of 'Gott' (God). It literally means 'little god' and was often used disparagingly for the gods of other cultures that were seen as false.
EXAMPLE
Der Missionar predigte gegen die Anbetung von Götzen.
The missionary preached against the worship of idols.
Strong connotation
When a person is referred to as a 'Götze' (idol), it expresses very strong, almost excessive and uncritical admiration. The word is significantly stronger than, for example, 'Vorbild' (role model).
EXAMPLE
Der Rockstar wurde von seinen Fans wie ein Götze verehrt.
The rock star was worshipped like an idol by his fans.
Context clue
The original meaning of an object of worship is found today mainly in religious, historical, or archaeological texts. Typical verbs in this context are 'anbeten' (to worship) and 'verehren' (to revere).
EXAMPLE
Archäologen fanden einen Altar mit einer alten Götzenfigur.
Archaeologists found an altar with an old idol figure.
Compare with
Götze vs Star
star / starling / cataract
'der Star' and 'der Götze' can both refer to a person whom many people admire. 'der Star' is usually neutral or positive: the person is famous and successful. In a figurative sense, 'der Götze' means someone who is revered almost like a god. This often sounds critical, because the admiration is too strong. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with famous or admired people. For ordinary fame, 'Star' is appropriate; 'Götze' is used only when the adoration seems excessive.
Götze
Für manche Fans war der Sänger fast ein Götze.
For some fans, the singer was almost an idol.
Star
Yusuf hat den Star nach dem Fußballspiel kurz gesehen.
Yusuf briefly saw the star after the soccer match.
In real life
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