01
die Würde
dignity
The inner worth and claim to respect that every human being has by nature.
example
Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar.
Human dignity is inviolable.
die Würde
dignity
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Würde' (dignity) is the basis for the adjective 'würdig' (worthy, deserving of something) and the verb 'würdigen' (to honor or recognize someone). All words in the family relate to worth and respect.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten war eines Königs nicht würdig.
His behavior was not worthy of a king.
Cultural context
The sentence 'Die Würde des Menschen ist unantastbar' (Human dignity is inviolable) is the first article of the German Basic Law. It is a central value in German society and is often quoted.
EXAMPLE
In der Debatte wurde oft auf die Würde des Menschen verwiesen.
In the debate, human dignity was often referred to.
Typical collocations
In connection with a person's inner worth, 'Würde' (dignity) is often used with verbs such as 'wahren' (to preserve), 'achten' (to respect), or 'verletzen' (to violate).
EXAMPLE
Es ist wichtig, auch in schwierigen Situationen die Würde des anderen zu achten.
It is important to respect the other person's dignity even in difficult situations.
Typical collocations
When it is about a manner or bearing, 'Würde' (dignity) is often combined with verbs of enduring or showing. Typical expressions are 'seine Würde bewahren' (to preserve one's dignity) or something 'mit Würde tragen' (to bear something with dignity).
EXAMPLE
Trotz der falschen Anschuldigungen bewahrte er seine Würde.
Despite the false accusations, he preserved his dignity.
Use in the plural
In the meaning of a high office or title, 'Würde' (office / rank) is often used in the plural ('Würden'). It is a formal and rather rare usage.
EXAMPLE
Er bekleidete im Laufe seines Lebens viele öffentliche Würden.
Over the course of his life, he held many public offices.
Compare with
Würde vs Titel
title
'der Titel' and 'die Würde' can both refer to a special status or a high office. 'Titel' is the official designation, for example an academic degree or a professional position. In this context, 'Würde' means more a high office or an honorable position and sounds more formal. You often hear it in fixed combinations like 'Titel und Würden' (titles and honors). Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with prestige. In everyday language, 'Titel' is much more common and more concrete; 'Würde' fits better in ceremonial or official contexts.
Würde
Mit der neuen Würde übernahm er auch mehr Verantwortung.
With the new office, he also took on more responsibility.
Titel
Nach der Prüfung darf sie den akademischen Titel offiziell führen.
After the exam, she is officially allowed to use the academic title.
In real life
Loading video examples...