Wert meaning and definition in german
wert meaning and definition in german
Adjective
Frequency:
In older usage, wert was generally construed with a genitive object: Das ist der Mühe nicht wert. This is now archaic, except in fixed expressions. For example: Wer den Pfennig nicht ehrt, ist des Talers nicht wert. — “Who doesn't honour the penny, isn't worthy of the dollar.” (A saying quivalent to “A penny saved is a penny earned”.)
The genitive case is still used when the object of wert is a person (or a group, organization, etc.). However, this usage is quite rare and würdig is more common instead.
The genitive case is still used when the object of wert is a person (or a group, organization, etc.). However, this usage is quite rare and würdig is more common instead.
- with accusative worth something, worthy of something Das ist die Mühe nicht wert. ― That's not worth the effort. Der Wein ist seinen Preis wert. ― The wine is worth its price. Er ist die ganze Aufmerksamkeit nicht wert, die er bekommt. ― He's not worthy of all the attention he gets.
- formal, with genitive worthy of someone Das ist meiner nicht wert. ― That’s below my dignity
- formal dear Werte Gäste, ... ― Dear guests, ...