das Ansehen, null
reputation · respect
Die Meinung oder Achtung, die andere Menschen gegenüber einer Person oder Sache haben.
Definition & meaning
The word Ansehen has two primary functions in German: it serves as both a separable verb and a neuter noun.
-
As a verb (ansehen): It primarily means to look at someone or something, often with a certain level of focus or duration. It is used when watching a movie, a play, or examining an object. Additionally, it can mean "to regard" or "to consider" something in a specific way (e.g., "to see someone as a friend").
-
As a noun (das Ansehen): It refers to the reputation, prestige, or social standing that a person, organization, or country possesses. It describes the level of respect or esteem others have for someone. In a more literal sense, it can also refer to the act of looking at something, though this is less common than the meaning related to reputation.
Grammar & Word origin
The Verb: The verb ansehen is a separable strong verb. In the present tense, it undergoes a vowel change (e.g., ich sehe an, du siehst an, er sieht an). The past tense is sah an, and the perfect tense uses the auxiliary verb haben with the past participle angesehen.
The Noun: The noun das Ansehen is derived directly from the infinitive of the verb. It is a neuter noun. In the sense of reputation, it is usually used in the singular.
Origin: The word is a combination of the prefix an- (signifying direction toward something) and the base verb sehen Ansehen (to see). Etymologically, it follows the pattern of directing one's sight toward an object or person, which evolved figuratively into the "view" or "estimation" others have of a person.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms for the verb: To look at or watch: betrachten Ansehen, schauen Ansehen, angucken Ansehen, zusehen Ansehen. To consider/regard: betrachten Ansehen, halten für Ansehen.
Synonyms for the noun: Reputation: der Ruf Ansehen, die Reputation Ansehen, das Prestige Ansehen, die Geltung Ansehen, der Status Ansehen.
Antonyms for the noun: Negative reputation or lack of respect: die Verachtung Ansehen, die Geringschätzung Ansehen, die Schande Ansehen, die Bedeutungslosigkeit Ansehen.
Make “Ansehen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Sein Ansehen in der Gruppe hat sich verbessert.noun
His reputation in the group has improved.
Durch seine ehrliche Arbeit gewann er neues Ansehen bei den Kollegen.noun
Through his honest work he gained new respect among his colleagues.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad