Tugend

virtue

noun TOO-gent Rare

Origin: from Old High German tugund, 'ability, strength'

Usage Note

Tugend is the classic philosophical and theological concept of virtue. The four cardinal virtues (Kardinaltugenden) are Klugheit, Gerechtigkeit, Tapferkeit, Mäßigung. In everyday speech it is slightly formal or ironic: Das ist keine Tugend!

Examples

"Geduld gilt als eine der schwierigsten Tugenden."

Natural Translation

Patience is considered one of the most difficult virtues.

Literal Translation

Patience counts as one of-the most-difficult virtues.

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