laudatory speech
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laudatory speech
A formal speech of praise given in honor of a person, often at an award ceremony or anniversary celebration.
Der Schauspieler hörte sichtlich gerührt der Laudatio seines Kollegen zu.
The actor listened to his colleague's laudatory speech, visibly moved.
'Laudatio' (laudatory speech) is a loanword from Latin, from 'laus' meaning 'praise'. It is used mainly in formal and ceremonial contexts such as award ceremonies or official honors.
Die Veranstaltung begann mit einer Laudatio auf den Gründer des Unternehmens.
The event began with a laudatory speech honoring the company's founder.
A speech of praise is 'gehalten' (given). The person being honored is introduced with the preposition 'auf' plus the accusative. A typical formulation is therefore: 'eine Laudatio auf jemanden halten' (to give a laudatory speech in honor of someone).
Der Bürgermeister hielt eine bewegende Laudatio auf die ehrenamtliche Helferin.
The mayor gave a moving laudatory speech in honor of the volunteer.
The person who gives a 'Laudatio' (laudatory speech) is called 'der Laudator' or 'die Laudatorin' (the laudator). Knowing this word helps you understand the context better.
Als Laudator wurde ein enger Freund des Künstlers ausgewählt.
A close friend of the artist was chosen as the laudator.
address / speech
'die Ansprache' and 'die Laudatio' are both speeches that can be given on a special occasion. 'Ansprache' is more general: it can welcome people, inform them, express thanks, or fit a particular occasion. 'Laudatio' is much more specific. It is a formal speech of praise for a person, often at an award ceremony or an anniversary celebration. Learners may confuse the words because both sound formal. The simple rule is: every 'Laudatio' is a type of 'Ansprache', but not every 'Ansprache' is a 'Laudatio'.
Zur Preisverleihung schreibt er eine Laudatio auf seine frühere Lehrerin.
For the award ceremony, he writes a laudatory speech for his former teacher.
Fiona hört aufmerksam zu, als der Schulleiter seine Ansprache hält.
Fiona listens attentively as the principal gives his speech.