01
in Verruf geraten
to fall into disrepute
To get a bad reputation; to be judged negatively in public opinion.
example
Das Unternehmen ist wegen des Skandals in Verruf geraten.
The company fell into disrepute because of the scandal.
der Verruf
disrepute
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the negative prefix 'ver-' and 'der Ruf' (reputation). 'Verruf' therefore directly refers to a bad reputation.
EXAMPLE
Durch sein Verhalten brachte er die ganze Familie in Verruf.
Through his behavior, he brought the whole family into disrepute.
Fixed expressions
The noun 'Verruf' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expressions 'in Verruf geraten' (to fall into disrepute) and 'jemanden/etwas in Verruf bringen' (to bring someone/something into disrepute). On its own, it is very rare.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Skandal ist die Politikerin in Verruf geraten.
Since the scandal, the politician has fallen into disrepute.
Active vs. passive
The two expressions describe an active and a passive process. 'In Verruf geraten' means to get a bad reputation (something happens to you). 'Jemanden in Verruf bringen' means to actively cause someone to get a bad reputation.
EXAMPLE
Die Bar ist wegen der lauten Musik in Verruf geraten.
The bar has fallen into disrepute because of the loud music.
Auxiliary verb in the perfect tense
Pay attention to the correct auxiliary verb in the perfect tense: The expression 'in Verruf geraten' is formed with 'sein' because 'geraten' describes a change of state. The expression 'in Verruf bringen' is formed with 'haben.'
EXAMPLE
Das Restaurant ist in Verruf geraten.
The restaurant has fallen into disrepute.
Compare with
Verruf vs Ruf
reputation / call
'der Ruf' and 'der Verruf' both have to do with the opinion that others have about someone or something. 'der Ruf' is neutral: it can be good or bad. 'der Verruf' is always negative and means that someone or something gets a bad reputation or is made to get one. Learners may confuse the words because 'Verruf' looks like a special form of 'Ruf'. The important point is: people usually say 'in Verruf geraten' (to fall into disrepute) or 'jemanden in Verruf bringen' (to bring someone into disrepute). For general reputation or standing, use 'Ruf'.
Verruf
Nach mehreren Skandalen ist die Firma in Verruf geraten.
After several scandals, the company fell into disrepute.
Ruf
Die Schule hat einen guten Ruf, weil sich die Lehrer viel Zeit nehmen.
The school has a good reputation because the teachers take a lot of time for their students.
In real life
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