German word

Idol

Pronunciation

IPA/iˈdoːl/

Meaning

  • neuter nounidol

Example

Meine Idole sind heute im Fernsehen.

My idols are on TV today.

Illustration for Idol (idol)

More examples

Auf Konzerten skandieren die Zuschauer den Namen ihres Idols.

At concerts, the spectators chant the name of their idol.

Core concept

A celebrated figure surrounded by devoted fans, like a modern object of worship rather than an ordinary role model.

Common phrases

  • ein Idol sehen

    see an idol

  • zum Idol werden

    become an idol

  • Fan eines Idols sein

    be a fan of an idol

Similar words

Star: A famous and successful performer in television, film, or music.
Promi: A well-known person frequently mentioned in the media or gossip.
Berühmtheit: A person recognized by many people and known by name.
Vorbild: A person regarded as an example for others to follow.

Definition in German

Idol bezeichnet eine berühmte Person, die besonders von Fans verehrt wird und häufig im Popkulturkontext steht.

Word origin

The German noun Idol is borrowed through Latin idolum from Greek eidolon, originally referring to an image and later extending to a false deity and an admired person.

Usage tips

  • German Idol can describe a famous person, but Vorbild is usually the better word for a person admired mainly as an example to follow.

Other meanings

  • false godnoun
  • starnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • idolisierenidolizeverb
  • Idolfiguridol figurenoun

Word lists with this word