German word

zollen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsɔlən/

Meaning

  • verbshow respect

Example

Ich zolle ihm großen Respekt.

I show him great respect.

Illustration for zollen (show respect)

More examples

Die Gemeinde zollt dem Arzt Dank für seinen Einsatz.

The community shows gratitude to the doctor for his dedication.

Core concept

Respect or gratitude is presented to a person like a due payment rather than kept as a private feeling.

Common phrases

  • jemandem zollen Dank

    show someone gratitude

  • jemandem zollen Hochachtung

    show someone deep respect

  • dem Sieger zollen Tribut

    pay tribute to the winner

Similar words

respektieren: Treat another person's character, rights, or position with respect.
ehren: Pay public tribute to a person or their achievements.
würdigen: Acknowledge the worth and importance of an act or result.
anerkennen: Formally accept someone's achievements or qualifications as valid.

Definition in German

jemandem etwas zollen bedeutet, ihm Ehrung, Respekt oder Dank zu geben; heute meist übertragen gebraucht

Word origin

In older usage, zollen referred to paying a Zoll, while modern figurative usage applies that payment pattern to honor, praise, and gratitude.

Usage tips

  • The construction uses jemandem etwas zollen, with the person honored in the dative and the respect, praise, or thanks in the accusative.

Other meanings

  • praiseverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word