German word

würdigen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvʏɐ̯dɪgən/

Meaning

  • verbhonor

Example

Wir würdigen seine Arbeit.

We honor his work.

Illustration for würdigen (honor)

More examples

Man sollte jedes Engagement würdigen.

One should honor every commitment.

Core concept

Someone's work, role, or significance is deliberately recognized instead of being overlooked.

Common phrases

  • ein Engagement würdigen

    honor a commitment

  • die Initiative würdigen

    honor the initiative

  • öffentliches Engagement würdigen

    honor public service

Similar words

anerkennen: To recognize someone's work or achievement as valuable in an official way.
respektieren: To regard someone's position or character with due respect.
schätzen: To appreciate the value or good qualities of someone or something.
ehren: To pay tribute to a person or achievement with respect.

Definition in German

jemanden oder etwas bewusst in seiner Bedeutung oder seinem Wert anerkennen und ihm Respekt zeigen.

Word origin

The German verb würdigen comes from würdig, 'worthy', and shares its word family with Würde, 'dignity' or 'worth'.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English honor, würdigen may also mean to acknowledge or evaluate the importance of an event, decision, or consequence without expressing strong praise.

Other meanings

  • evaluateverb
  • acknowledgeverb
  • praiseverb

Opposites

  • verhöhnenmockverb

Related words

  • Würdigungrecognitionnoun
  • Würdenträgerdignitarynoun

Word lists with this word