Ruhm
/ʁuːm/masculine
The English word glory can be translated into German as Ruhm. Wiktionary also lists Glorie and Ehre.
Meaning: honour, admiration, or distinction (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ruhm | /ʁuːm/ | masculine |
| Glorie | feminine | |
| Ehre | /ˈeːʁə/ | feminine |
The term refers to honour, admiration or distinction.
Which one should you use?
Ruhm is the most common word for secular fame or renown achieved through great deeds. In contrast, Ehre is used when the focus is on personal honor, dignity or respect rather than public fame. Glorie is a more poetic or religious term, often used to describe divine glory or a magnificent spectacle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Ruhm is a masculine noun and takes the article der. Glorie and Ehre are both feminine nouns and take the article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁuːm/
Did you know?
- In religious contexts, Glorie refers not just to the state of being glorious, but often specifically to the visible halo or aura surrounding a saint in art.
- The word Ehre shares an ancient root with the Old English word ār, which meant not only 'honour' but also 'pardon' and 'help'.
- The phrase in Ruhm baden means 'to bask in glory', literally translating to 'bathing in fame'.
Examples in context
- Die Tat ist alles, nichts der Ruhm.The deed is everything, the glory naught.This sentence illustrates a contrast between a deed and the resulting Ruhm.Tatoeba #2456675 by Esperantostern, translation #5623297 by joshodude_1308
- Der Ruhm Ciceronis begann zu wachsen.Cicero's glory began to grow.This sentence shows how the Ruhm of a person can grow.Tatoeba #10040724 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9203122 by DJ_Saidez
- Er hat sich nicht gerade mit Ruhm bekleckert.He didn't exactly cover himself in glory.This sentence uses the idiom of covering oneself in Ruhm.Tatoeba #1486276 by Esperantostern, translation #1486280 by voxbubnya
- Er hat große Ehre erlangtHe has gained great glory
- Die Soldaten kämpfen für die Ehre ihres LandesThe soldiers fight for the glory of their country
- Sie hat für ihren Erfolg und Ruhm hart gearbeitetShe has worked hard for her success and glory
- Dieses Buch hat ihm zu großem Ruhm verholfenThis book has brought him great glory
- auf der Erfolgswelle reitenriding the wave of success
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a famous artist in a cafe.
- JuliaHat er wirklich so viel Ruhm erlangt?Did he really attain so much glory?
- JulianJa, sein Ruhm ist absolut verdient.Yes, his glory is absolutely deserved.
- JuliaJulian, glaubst du das auch?Julian, do you believe that too?
- JulianAbsolut, er ist ein Genie.Absolutely, he is a genius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “glory” translations and entries Ruhm, Ehre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ehre, Ruhm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
