berühmt
famous
Eine Person oder Sache, die von vielen Menschen gekannt wird.
Definition & meaning
Berühmt is an adjective meaning famous, well-known, or renowned. It describes a person, place, work, event, or thing that is known by many people, usually because of notable achievements, talent, quality, or historical importance.
- Sie ist eine berühmte Schauspielerin. — She is a famous actress.
- Das Restaurant ist für seine berühmte Küche bekannt. — The restaurant is famous for its cuisine.
- Goethe ist weltweit berühmt. — Goethe is famous worldwide.
It can also be used ironically or critically when someone is famous for something negative, although berüchtigt “notorious” is more precise for a strongly negative meaning.
Grammar & Word origin
Berühmt is an adjective and does not change its basic form. Its endings change according to the noun and grammatical case:
- ein berühmter Schriftsteller — a famous writer
- eine berühmte Sängerin — a famous singer
- ein berühmtes Gemälde — a famous painting
Comparison:
- berühmt — famous
- berühmter — more famous
- am berühmtesten — the most famous
The word comes from the verb berühmen , “to praise or glorify,” which is related to der Ruhm , “fame” or “glory.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- bekannt — known or familiar; weaker and more general than berühmt. A person can be bekannt without being famous.
- prominent — prominent or publicly well-known, often used for celebrities, politicians, or other public figures.
- renommiert — highly respected and reputable, especially in a profession or academic field; it emphasizes prestige more than broad public recognition.
- angesehen — respected or esteemed; it focuses on people’s positive opinion rather than fame.
- weltberühmt — world-famous; stronger and more specific than berühmt.
Antonyms
- unbekannt — unknown or unfamiliar; the most direct antonym.
- unberühmt — not famous; grammatically direct but less common in everyday speech.
- bedeutungslos — insignificant or meaningless; this is not a direct antonym, since something can be famous but still meaningful or important.
Common phrases & collocations
- berühmt sein — to be famous
- berühmt werden — to become famous
- für etwas berühmt sein — to be famous for something
- ein berühmter Schauspieler — a famous actor
- eine berühmte Persönlichkeit — a famous personality or public figure
- ein berühmtes Kunstwerk — a famous work of art
- weltberühmt — world-famous
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Examples
Er ist ein berühmter Schauspieler.adjective
He is a famous actor.
Die Künstlerin ist weltweit berühmt.adjective
The artist is famous worldwide.
Die Sängerin ist sehr berühmt.adjective
The singer is very famous.
Dieser Maler wurde weltweit berühmt.adjective
This painter became famous worldwide.
Die Person wurde durch ihre Werke sehr berühmt.adjective
The person became very famous through their works.
Dieser Schauspieler ist weltweit berühmt.adjective
This actor is famous worldwide.
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