der Leumund, null
reputation
Definition & meaning
The word "Leumund" refers to a person's reputation, public standing, or the way they are perceived by their community or society. It specifically addresses a person's moral character and integrity.
While the word is somewhat old-fashioned in daily conversation, it remains very common in formal, legal, and bureaucratic contexts. For example, a "guter Leumund" (good reputation) might be required for certain jobs or legal applications. In modern legal terminology, it is often associated with the "polizeiliches Führungszeugnis" (police clearance certificate), which documents a person's criminal record or lack thereof.
Grammar & Word origin
"Leumund" is a masculine noun (der Leumund). It is almost exclusively used in the singular. While the plural form Leumunde exists theoretically, it is virtually never used in practice.
The word has its roots in Old High German hliumunt, which meant "fame" or "reputation." This is derived from the Proto-Germanic root for "hearing." It is closely related to the modern German verb hören (to hear). Etymologically, "Leumund" describes "what is heard about someone" or "what people say about someone."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- der Ruf (the most common general word for reputation)
- das Ansehen (prestige or standing)
- die Reputation (a formal loanword for reputation)
- der Name (used figuratively, as in "having a good name")
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er hat einen guten Leumund.noun
He has a good reputation.
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