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verdient
deserved
Justified or appropriate because of achievement, effort, or behavior; well-deserved.
example
Nach der anstrengenden Woche hast du dir eine Pause redlich verdient.
After the exhausting week, you have truly deserved a break.
verdient
deserved
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Verdient' (deserved) is the past participle of the verb 'verdienen' (to earn / deserve). The meaning of the adjective comes directly from this: something that you have 'verdient' (deserved) through achievement or effort is 'verdient' (deserved).
EXAMPLE
Er hat hart für die Beförderung gearbeitet und sie sich wirklich verdient.
He worked hard for the promotion and really deserved it.
Typical collocations
This adjective is often combined with positive results that are a reward for effort. Common phrases are 'ein verdienter Sieg' (a deserved victory), 'eine verdiente Pause' (a well-deserved break), or 'ein verdienter Urlaub' (a well-deserved vacation).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sieg feierte die Mannschaft ihren verdienten Erfolg.
After the victory, the team celebrated its well-deserved success.
Use for people
When the adjective describes a person ('ein verdienter Mitarbeiter' — a distinguished employee), it is a formal and respectful way to honor that person's many years of valuable work. It is often used in official speeches or texts.
EXAMPLE
Die Universität ehrte die verdiente Professorin für ihr Lebenswerk.
The university honored the distinguished professor for her life's work.
Compare with
verdient vs berechtigt
justified / entitled
'berechtigt' and 'verdient' can both mean that something is fair or appropriate. 'berechtigt' is often used with criticism, concerns, questions, or claims: there are good reasons for them. 'verdient' is used more when someone should receive something because of achievement, effort, or behavior, for example praise, a vacation, or even criticism. The words can be confused because both have to do with fairness. The simple difference is: 'berechtigt' asks about the reason, while 'verdient' asks about the achievement or behavior.
verdient
Nach der langen Vorbereitung hat das Team den Erfolg wirklich verdient.
After the long preparation, the team truly deserved the success.
berechtigt
Die Kritik der Kundin ist berechtigt, weil der Zug wieder zu spät war.
The customer's criticism is justified because the train was late again.
In real life
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