fief
das Lehen, die Lehen
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fief
In the medieval feudal system, a piece of land, an office, or a specific right that a feudal lord granted to a vassal. In return, the vassal usually had to provide the feudal lord with services and loyalty.
Der Ritter erhielt das Lehen vom König und musste ihm dafür militärische Dienste leisten.
The knight received the fief from the king and had to provide him with military services in return.
to grant something as a fief
To grant someone possession of land, an office, or a right according to the rules of the feudal system.
Der König gab dem treuen Ritter eine Burg zu Lehen.
The king granted the loyal knight a castle as a fief.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lehen |
| genitive | des Lehens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Lehen | die Lehen |
| accusative | das Lehen | die Lehen |
| dative | dem Lehen | den Lehen |
| genitive | des Lehens | der Lehen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Lehen' (fief) is mainly used in historical accounts of the medieval feudal system. In everyday language today, the word usually occurs only in historical, literary, or specialized texts.
Im Geschichtsunterricht lernten wir, wie ein Lehen übertragen wurde.
In history class, we learned how a fief was transferred.
In this meaning, 'Lehen' (fief) frequently occurs with verbs such as 'erhalten' (to receive), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'übertragen' (to transfer). Typical related terms also include a feudal lord, a vassal, and the duties associated with the fief.
Der Vasall erhielt ein Lehen und musste dem Lehnsherrn dafür treu dienen.
The vassal received a fief and had to serve the feudal lord loyally in return.
In the expression 'jemandem etwas zu Lehen geben' (to grant something as a fief to someone), the person is in the dative, while the land or right being granted is in the accusative. The fixed expression is 'zu Lehen' (as a fief), without an article before 'Lehen'.
Die Fürstin gab ihrem Gefolgsmann ein Dorf zu Lehen.
The princess granted her follower a village as a fief.
