to honor / acknowledge
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to honor
To show someone or an achievement recognition, respect, or honor. This often happens publicly, for example through a speech or an award.
Die Stadt würdigte das Lebenswerk des Künstlers mit einer großen Ausstellung.
The city honored the artist's life's work with a major exhibition.
to not deign
To deliberately ignore a person and pay them no attention at all in order to express contempt or disinterest.
Er ging an seiner Ex-Freundin vorbei und würdigte sie keines Blickes.
He walked past his ex-girlfriend and did not deign to give her even a glance.
The verb 'würdigen' (to honor/acknowledge) is closely related to the noun 'die Würde' (dignity) and the adjective 'würdig' (worthy). To 'würdigen' (honor/acknowledge) someone or something means to recognize their value or dignity.
Er ist ein würdiger Nachfolger für diese Position.
He is a worthy successor for this position.
The expression 'jemanden keines Blickes/Wortes würdigen' means to deliberately ignore someone. Note the genitive here ('keines Blickes'), which is rare in modern language but has survived in this fixed expression.
Obwohl ich direkt vor ihr stand, würdigte sie mich keines Blickes.
Although I was standing right in front of her, she did not deign to give me even a glance.
In the meaning of 'ehren' (to honor), 'würdigen' (to honor/acknowledge) is mainly used in formal or official contexts, for example in speeches, at award ceremonies, or in written reports.
In seiner Rede würdigte der Bürgermeister die Arbeit der freiwilligen Helfer.
In his speech, the mayor honored the work of the volunteer helpers.
Abstract achievements or qualities are often honored or acknowledged. Typical combinations are 'eine Leistung würdigen' (to honor/acknowledge an achievement), 'den Einsatz würdigen' (to acknowledge someone's commitment), or 'ein Lebenswerk würdigen' (to honor a life's work).
Das Unternehmen würdigte seine langjährige Treue mit einem Geschenk.
The company acknowledged his many years of loyalty with a gift.
to celebrate
Both words can publicly acknowledge an achievement. „Feiern“ mainly conveys enthusiasm and strong approval, while „würdigen“ refers to respectful, well-founded recognition, which is also possible without great enthusiasm. Use „würdigen“ for matter-of-fact recognition and „feiern“ for an enthusiastic reaction.
Die Vereinsleitung würdigte den Erfolg der Mannschaft in einer kurzen Rede.
The club’s management acknowledged the team’s success in a short speech.
Die Fans feierten den Erfolg der Mannschaft lautstark.
The fans loudly celebrated the team’s success.
