privilege
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privilege
A special right, advantage, or benefit that belongs only to a particular person or group.
In vielen Ländern ist der Zugang zu sauberem Wasser kein Privileg, sondern ein täglicher Kampf.
In many countries, access to clean water is not a privilege but a daily struggle.
privilege
A special honor or an opportunity felt to be very pleasant.
Es war mir ein Privileg, Sie persönlich kennenzulernen.
It was a privilege for me to meet you in person.
'Privileg' (privilege) is very often used in the construction 'das Privileg haben, etwas zu tun' (to have the privilege of doing something). It is followed by an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Er hatte das Privileg, eine sehr gute Ausbildung zu genießen.
He had the privilege of enjoying a very good education.
The first meaning (advantage) is often used in the plural ('Privilegien') and in sociopolitical contexts. The second meaning (honor) almost always appears in the singular and is a personal, polite statement.
Die Diskussion drehte sich um die Privilegien der Oberschicht.
The discussion centered on the privileges of the upper class.
In the meaning of an advantage, 'Privileg' (privilege) is often combined with the verbs 'genießen' (to enjoy), 'haben' (to have), or 'besitzen' (to possess).
Als Mitarbeiter der Firma genießt er einige Privilegien.
As an employee of the company, he enjoys some privileges.
The phrase 'Es ist mir ein Privileg' (it is a privilege for me) or 'Ich hatte das Privileg' (I had the privilege) is a polite and often formal way to express that you feel something is a special honor.
Es ist mir ein großes Privileg, Sie heute hier begrüßen zu dürfen.
It is a great privilege for me to be allowed to welcome you here today.
honor
Both words can describe a special opportunity as positive and valuable. Die Ehre emphasizes that you feel honored or distinguished by the invitation, while a Privileg highlights the special and pleasant opportunity. For personal appreciation, die Ehre is the better choice; for a special advantage, Privileg is more appropriate.
Für mich ist es ein Privileg, heute vor dieser Gruppe sprechen zu dürfen.
It is a privilege for me to be allowed to speak to this group today.
Für mich ist es eine Ehre, heute vor dieser Gruppe sprechen zu dürfen.
It is an honor for me to be allowed to speak to this group today.
