fame
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fame
High esteem and widespread recognition that a person or thing enjoys because of special achievements or qualities.
Der junge Musiker erlangte über Nacht weltweiten Ruhm.
The young musician gained worldwide fame overnight.
'Der Ruhm' (fame) is the noun related to the adjective 'berühmt' (famous). If a person is famous, then they have Ruhm.
Viele berühmte Schauspieler leben in Hollywood.
Many famous actors live in Hollywood.
'Ruhm' (fame) is often combined with verbs that describe acquiring or enjoying it, e.g. 'Ruhm erlangen' (to gain fame), 'zu Ruhm kommen' (to become famous), or 'seinen Ruhm genießen' (to enjoy one's fame). A fixed expression is 'Ruhm und Ehre' (fame and glory).
Mit ihrem ersten Roman erlangte die Autorin über Nacht Ruhm.
With her first novel, the author gained fame overnight.
The idiom 'sich nicht mit Ruhm bekleckern' (to not exactly cover oneself in glory) is always reflexive ('sich') and negated. It means that someone did their task badly.
Bei der Prüfung hat er sich nicht gerade mit Ruhm bekleckert.
He didn't exactly cover himself in glory in the exam.
As an abstract noun, 'Ruhm' (fame) is used almost exclusively in the singular. A plural form practically does not exist in everyday usage.
Der Ruhm des alten Königs ist bis heute unvergessen.
The fame of the old king remains unforgotten to this day.
reputation / call
'der Ruf' and 'der Ruhm' both have to do with standing or esteem. 'der Ruf' describes what opinion others have of someone or something. It can be good or bad and does not have to mean that the person is very well known. 'der Ruhm' is stronger: it means great fame and admiration, usually because of special achievements. So you can have a good reputation without being famous. The words can be confused because both can sound positive. 'Ruf' fits everyday life, work, and quality; 'Ruhm' is more suited to famous artists, athletes, or major successes.
Nach dem Gewinn der Meisterschaft genoss die Sportlerin großen Ruhm.
After winning the championship, the athlete enjoyed great fame.
Das kleine Hotel hat einen guten Ruf, weil die Gäste dort freundlich behandelt werden.
The small hotel has a good reputation because guests are treated kindly there.