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
der Götze
idol
In a figurative sense, a person who is excessively admired and revered.
EXAMPLE
Für viele junge Musiker ist er ein Götze, dem sie nacheifern.
For many young musicians, he is an idol whom they try to emulate.
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 Gott
god
In a figurative sense, der Gott and der Götze can both refer to a highly revered person. „Der Gott“ often presents that person's achievement or importance as extraordinary and almost unsurpassable, while „der Götze“ emphasizes the excessive worship of that person. Choose „Götze“ when the admiration seems particularly intense or uncritical.
Götze
Für manche Fans ist der Stürmer ein Götze, dem sie trotz seiner Fehler blind folgen.
To some fans, the striker is an idol whom they follow blindly despite his mistakes.
Gott
Für seine Fans ist der Stürmer ein Gott, weil er fast jedes Spiel entscheidet.
To his fans, the striker is a god because he decides almost every game.
In real life
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