01
loben
to praise
To express recognition and approval for a person or an achievement.
example
Der Lehrer lobte die Schülerin für ihre gute Arbeit.
The teacher praised the student for her good work.
loben
to praise
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'loben' (to praise) is directly related to the noun 'das Lob' (praise, compliment). When you praise someone, you give them praise.
EXAMPLE
Ein ehrliches Lob kann sehr motivierend sein.
Honest praise can be very motivating.
Correct preposition
The reason for the praise is expressed with the preposition 'für' (for) and the accusative. The structure is: jemanden (accusative) für etwas (accusative) loben.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte dich für deine tolle Präsentation loben.
I would like to praise you for your great presentation.
Fixed expression
A well-known proverb is: 'Man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben' (don't praise the day before evening). It means you should not celebrate too early, because something can still go wrong.
EXAMPLE
Wir führen 2:0, aber man soll den Tag nicht vor dem Abend loben.
We're leading 2-0, but don't praise the day before evening.
Compare with
loben vs feiern
to celebrate
'feiern' and 'loben' can both express that you think very positively of a person or achievement. 'loben' is the normal word when you express recognition, for example at work, at school, or in the family. 'feiern' is stronger and more emotional. It often means that many people are enthusiastic or that someone is admired very visibly. A teacher praises a good answer, but fans celebrate a star. For quiet recognition, 'loben' fits; for great enthusiasm, 'feiern' fits better.
loben
Nach der Arbeit lobt der Chef Mehmet für seinen guten Bericht.
After work, the boss praises Mehmet for his good report.
feiern
Heute feiern alle in der Schule die Gewinnerin des Wettbewerbs.
Today everyone at school is celebrating the winner of the competition.
In real life
Loading video examples...