German word

Ehrenamt

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːʁənˌamt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounvolunteer work

Example

Er ist seit Jahren in einem Ehrenamt tätig.

He has been involved in volunteer work for years.

Illustration for Ehrenamt (volunteer work)

More examples

Sie hat ihr Ehrenamt aus Zeitgründen aufgegeben.

She gave up her honorary position because of time constraints.

Core concept

A volunteer carries an official responsibility that benefits an organization or the local community.

Common phrases

  • sich im Ehrenamt engagieren

    engage in volunteer work

  • ein Ehrenamt übernehmen

    assume an honorary position

Similar words

Engagement: Voluntary commitment of time and effort to a cause or organization.
Freiwilligenarbeit: Unpaid social work or support carried out for others.
Freiwilligendienst: Time-limited unpaid service organized by an institution or group.
Amt: A formal office or duty in a public authority.

Definition in German

Bezeichnung für ein unentgeltliches, offiziell anerkanntes Amt oder eine Funktion in einem Verein, einer Gemeinde oder einer öffentlichen Einrichtung.

Word origin

Ehrenamt developed as a compound of Ehre and Amt, shifting from the idea of an honorary office to an officially recognized unpaid function.

Usage tips

  • English volunteer work is broader, while Ehrenamt specifically suggests an established office or function with formal recognition.

Other meanings

  • honorary positionnoun

Opposites

  • Erwerbstätigkeitgainful employmentnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word