high esteem / deep respect
die Hochachtung
Loading your saved state.
deep respect
Very great respect and high esteem for a person, based on their achievements, character, or position. The term is mostly used in a formal context.
Er spricht stets mit großer Hochachtung von seiner ehemaligen Mentorin.
He always speaks of his former mentor with great respect.
with highest respect
A very formal closing formula at the end of an official or formal letter, now used only rarely.
Der Notar beendete sein Schreiben mit der Formel „Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung“.
The notary ended his letter with the formula 'Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung' (With highest respect).
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Hochachtung |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Hochachtung | – |
| accusative | die Hochachtung | – |
| dative | der Hochachtung | – |
| genitive | der Hochachtung | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'hoch' (high) and 'Achtung' (respect). In this context, 'Achtung' means 'respect' or 'esteem', not 'caution'. So it describes very high respect.
Die Soldatin genoss die Hochachtung ihrer Kameraden.
The soldier enjoyed the high esteem of her comrades.
'Hochachtung' (high esteem/deep respect) is a very formal word. It is used mainly in written language, in official speeches, or when speaking about a person with great respect.
In seiner Rede brachte er seine Hochachtung für die Lebensleistung des Künstlers zum Ausdruck.
In his speech, he expressed his deep respect for the artist's life's work.
Common formulations are 'Hochachtung vor jemandem haben' (to have deep respect for someone, with dative), 'jemandem Hochachtung zollen' (to pay tribute/respect to someone), or 'voller Hochachtung sein' (to be full of respect).
Ich habe große Hochachtung vor Menschen, die ehrenamtlich arbeiten.
I have great respect for people who do volunteer work.
The phrase 'Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung' (With highest respect) is a very old, formal closing formula at the end of a letter. It is hardly used today and can sound stiff or even ironic.
Sein Anwalt beendete das offizielle Schreiben mit „Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung“.
His lawyer ended the official letter with 'Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung' (With highest respect).
respect
Both Respekt and Hochachtung express recognition of a person and their achievements. Hochachtung is stronger, deeper, and usually more formal, while Respekt is used much more broadly in everyday life and can also express cautious recognition. Use Respekt in ordinary conversation and Hochachtung for especially great appreciation in a formal context.
In seinem offiziellen Schreiben drückte er seine Hochachtung vor ihrer langjährigen Arbeit aus.
In his official letter, he expressed his deep respect for her many years of work.
Ich habe großen Respekt vor ihrer Arbeit und spreche im Team oft darüber.
I have great respect for her work and often talk about it with the team.
