Sanierung des Weltkulturerbes Bergwerk Rammelsberg

What does “Ehrfurcht” mean in German?

The foreman is talking about the old miners who dug these tunnels by hand, centuries ago, often dying young. When he says “ich geh mal mit 'ner Ehrfurcht hier rein,” he means he walks into the mine carrying deep respect for what they did — a feeling so strong it almost makes you feel small. Ehrfurcht goes further than ordinary respect: it has that quiet sense of awe built in.

In the clip he says: “Und ich sag immer, ich geh mal mit 'ner Ehrfurcht hier rein.” → “And I always say, I go in here with a deep sense of awe.” “Ehrfurcht” joins “Ehre” (honour) and “Furcht” (fear), so the word blends respect with a touch of awe — that is why it feels heavier than just “Respekt.” More examples: - “Sie betraten die alte Kirche mit Ehrfurcht.” — They entered the old church with deep, quiet respect. - “Ich habe großen Respekt vor ihm, aber keine Ehrfurcht.” — I respect him a lot, but I’m not in awe of him. Usage notes: it usually fits big, serious things — old buildings, nature, what people achieved before us. For everyday respect, Germans just say “Respekt.” Common pairing: “mit Ehrfurcht” (with awe).