ehrenhaft
The English word "honorable" is translated into German as ehrenhaft.
The term ehrenhaft is most commonly used to describe a person's integrity or a way of conducting oneself (e.g., an honorable way of living or an honorable way of doing business).
Meaning: worthy of respect (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ehrenhaft describes a person's character or an action as being worthy of honor, the word würdig is used for being 'worthy' of a specific thing, like respect or a prize.
Did you know?
- In historical German culture, the concept of Ehre was so rigid that an insult to one's honor could legally lead to a 'satisfaction' duel, often fought with sabres or pistols.
- The word Ehre is the root of Ehrenamt, which refers to a volunteer position or 'honorary office' that is typically unpaid.
- If you call someone ehrenhaft in a modern context, it can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or overly formal, as if you are describing a character from a 19th-century novel.
Examples in context
- Tom ist ehrenhaft.Tom is honorable.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use ehrenhaft to describe a person.Tatoeba #6619290 by Felixjp, translation #2202949 by CK
- ein ehrbarer MannAn honorable man
- eine ehrenhafte EntscheidungAn honorable decision
- eine achtbare LeistungAn honorable achievement
- ein verehrungswürdiger ProfessorAn honorable professor
- Er ist ein anständiger KerlHe is an honorable guy
- Die Politikerin traf eine ehrenhafte Entscheidung für das Wohl des Volkes.The politician made an honorable decision for the welfare of the people.
- Ich bewundere deinen anständigen Umgang mit Kritik.I admire your honorable way of dealing with criticism.
- Er hat ein ehrenhaftes Leben geführt.He has led an honorable life.
- Das war eine sehr ehrenhafte Entscheidung.That was a very honorable decision.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a colleague's behavior at work.
- MaximilianSein Verhalten war wirklich sehr ehrenhaft.His behavior was truly very honorable.
- SarahJa, er ist ein sehr ehrenhafter Mann.Yes, he is a very honorable man.
- MaximilianMan kann ihm voll vertrauen.One can trust him completely.
- SarahDas stimmt, er ist absolut loyal.That's true, he is absolutely loyal.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
