Wertschätzen

Wertschätzen is a German verb that can mean to value or appreciate the worth of someone or something, and to estimate the monetary or qualitative value of a thing. It is used in both personal and economic contexts, and it may denote emotional esteem as well as factual appraisal.

In everyday language, it often expresses gratitude or recognition: "Ich schätze deine Hilfe" means "I appreciate your help." In business or appraisal contexts, "den Wert eines Gegenstands schätzen" means "to estimate the value of an item." The verb schätzen also has the sense of guessing, as in "Ich schätze, es ist spät" ("I suppose it is late").

Wertschätzung, the corresponding noun, denotes appreciation, esteem, or recognition and is central to interpersonal relations and workplace culture. Phrases such as "Wertschätzung zeigen" or "Wertschätzung entgegenbringen" describe demonstrating this appreciation. Related terms include Anerkennung, Respekt, and Würdigung.

Etymology: Wertschätzen stems from Wert (value) and schätzen (to estimate). The noun Wertschätzung is formed from Wert and Schätzung. The sense of emotional appreciation developed in modern usage, alongside its more technical senses in valuation.

See also: Schätzung, Schätzen, Wert.