laurel
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laurel
An evergreen plant (tree or shrub) with aromatic, leathery leaves, native mainly to the Mediterranean region.
Im Garten des alten Klosters wächst ein riesiger Lorbeer.
A huge laurel grows in the garden of the old monastery.
bay leaf
The dried leaf of the laurel plant, used as a spice in cooking to flavor dishes such as soups, stews, or sauces.
Ein Hauch von Lorbeer verleiht dem Braten ein besonderes Aroma.
A hint of bay leaf gives the roast a special aroma.
glory / honors
In a figurative sense, the recognition, glory, or honor that one receives for an outstanding achievement. Often used in the plural, 'die Lorbeeren' (the laurels).
Für ihre Entdeckung erntete die Wissenschaftlerin den verdienten Lorbeer der Fachwelt.
For her discovery, the scientist reaped the deserved honors of the professional community.
to rest on one's laurels
A fixed expression meaning to stop making an effort after a success and to be satisfied with what has been achieved.
Obwohl er die Meisterschaft gewonnen hat, darf er sich jetzt nicht auf seinen Lorbeeren ausruhen.
Although he has won the championship, he must not rest on his laurels now.
The laurel wreath was a symbol of victory and honor in ancient Greece and Rome. The figurative meaning of 'Lorbeer' (laurel) as glory and recognition comes from this tradition.
Der siegreiche Feldherr wurde mit einem Lorbeerkranz geehrt.
The victorious general was honored with a laurel wreath.
The plural form 'die Lorbeeren' (the laurels) is used almost exclusively in the figurative meaning of 'Ruhm' (glory) or 'Ehre' (honor). The literal meanings (plant, spice) are usually in the singular.
Für ihre harte Arbeit hat sie endlich die verdienten Lorbeeren erhalten.
For her hard work, she finally received the honors she deserved.
When 'Lorbeer' (laurel/bay leaf) is meant as a spice, people often use the more precise term 'Lorbeerblatt' (bay leaf). In recipes, however, the short form 'Lorbeer' is also common and then means one or more leaves.
Gib ein Lorbeerblatt in die Soße, das gibt einen guten Geschmack.
Add a bay leaf to the sauce; it gives it a good flavor.
In the figurative meaning, 'Lorbeeren' (laurels) is often combined with verbs such as 'ernten' (to reap), 'einheimsen' (to rake in), or 'sammeln' (to collect) to express that someone receives recognition.
Der Autor erntete für seinen neuen Roman viele Lorbeeren.
The author reaped many honors for his new novel.
The idiom 'sich auf seinen Lorbeeren ausruhen' (to rest on one's laurels) uses a dative reflexive pronoun ('sich') and a possessive pronoun that agrees with the subject.
Du hast die Prüfung bestanden, aber jetzt ruh dich nicht auf deinen Lorbeeren aus!
You passed the exam, but don't rest on your laurels now!
recognition
Anerkennung and Lorbeer can both express appreciation for an outstanding achievement. Anerkennung is the neutral, direct term, while Lorbeer describes this appreciation figuratively, usually as “Lorbeeren” (laurels). Use Anerkennung in factual statements and Lorbeer for a figurative expression.
Für seinen Sieg erntete der junge Sportler die ersten Lorbeeren.
The young athlete earned his first laurels for his victory.
Für seinen Sieg erhielt der junge Sportler viel Anerkennung.
The young athlete received a great deal of recognition for his victory.
