German word

Ehrgeiz

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːɐ̯gaɪ̯ts/

Meaning

  • masculine nounambition

Example

Sie zeigte viel Ehrgeiz in der Schule.

She showed a lot of ambition at school.

Illustration for Ehrgeiz (ambition)

More examples

Er zeigte großen Ehrgeiz bei der Projektleitung.

He showed great ambition in leading the project.

Core concept

A sustained inner drive to excel and rise through achievement.

Common phrases

  • großen Ehrgeiz haben

    have great ambition

  • beruflichen Ehrgeiz zeigen

    show professional ambition

Similar words

Ambition: The desire to succeed and advance in work or society.
Streben: Persistent effort focused on attaining a specific goal.
Zielstrebigkeit: A resolute will to keep moving toward a goal.
Antrieb: An inner source of motivation that spurs action.

Definition in German

Wunsch, sich durch Leistung oder Erfolg hervorzuheben und beruflich oder sozial aufzusteigen.

Word origin

The word comes from Middle High German ergeiz, whose elements referred to honor and greed and conveyed a strong pursuit of distinction.

Usage tips

  • Ehrgeiz can sound approving or critical, so German often clarifies its direction with phrases such as beruflicher Ehrgeiz or übertriebener Ehrgeiz.

Other meanings

  • aspirationnoun
  • drivenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • ehrgeizigambitiousadjective
  • Ehrgeizigkeitambitiousnessnoun

Word lists with this word