der Ruhm
fame
High esteem and widespread recognition that a person or thing enjoys because of special achievements or qualities.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Musiker erlangte über Nacht weltweiten Ruhm.
The young musician gained worldwide fame overnight.
der Ruhm
fame
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
sich nicht mit Ruhm bekleckern
to not exactly cover oneself in glory
To do a task badly or only mediocrely; to fail to perform well.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Präsentation hat er sich wirklich nicht mit Ruhm bekleckert.
He really did not exactly cover himself in glory during the presentation.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Ruhm' (fame) is the noun related to the adjective 'berühmt' (famous). If a person is famous, then they have Ruhm.
EXAMPLE
Viele berühmte Schauspieler leben in Hollywood.
Many famous actors live in Hollywood.
Typical collocations
'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).
EXAMPLE
Mit ihrem ersten Roman erlangte die Autorin über Nacht Ruhm.
With her first novel, the author gained fame overnight.
Fixed expression
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.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Prüfung hat er sich nicht gerade mit Ruhm bekleckert.
He didn't exactly cover himself in glory in the exam.
Use in the singular
As an abstract noun, 'Ruhm' (fame) is used almost exclusively in the singular. A plural form practically does not exist in everyday usage.
EXAMPLE
Der Ruhm des alten Königs ist bis heute unvergessen.
The fame of the old king remains unforgotten to this day.
Compare with
Ruhm vs ansehen
to look at / to watch
Ansehen is the respect or good reputation someone can have even within a limited circle. Ruhm combines high esteem with widespread recognition. Ansehen therefore fits someone who is respected locally, while Ruhm is more appropriate for someone who is widely known.
Ruhm
Nach ihrer wichtigen Entdeckung erlangte die Ärztin internationalen Ruhm.
After her important discovery, the doctor achieved international fame.
ansehen
Die Ärztin genießt wegen ihrer guten Arbeit im Krankenhaus hohes Ansehen.
The doctor is highly respected at the hospital because of her good work.
In real life
Loading video examples...