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.
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
'feiern' and 'würdigen' can both express that someone or an achievement receives recognition. 'feiern' usually sounds enthusiastic, emotional, and sometimes loud. It fits well when people cheer or respond to a person very positively. 'würdigen' is calmer and more serious. You use it when you show respect and consciously recognize the importance of an achievement, often in a speech, at an award ceremony, or in an official text. Learners may confuse the words because both are positive. As a guide: 'feiern' fits enthusiasm, while 'würdigen' fits respect and official recognition.
Bei der Feier würdigt Nora die jahrelange Arbeit ihrer Freundin.
At the celebration, Nora honors her friend's many years of work.
Am Wochenende feiern die Nachbarn den jungen Musiker für seinen Auftritt.
At the weekend, the neighbors celebrate the young musician for his performance.