loben

Loben is a German verb meaning to praise, extol, or compliment. It is used to express approval of people, actions, or qualities and appears in both everyday language and more formal or ceremonial contexts, including religious or liturgical text.

Etymology and related forms: Loben is of Germanic origin, with cognates in other West Germanic languages such as Dutch, where similar verbs mean to praise. The related noun Lob denotes praise, while related verbs and nouns appear in compounds such as Lobpreisung (praise) and Lobgesang (praise song).

Conjugation and grammar: Loben is a weak verb. Present: ich lobe, du lobst, er lobt, wir loben, ihr lobt, sie loben. Preterite: ich lobte, du lobtest, er lobte, wir lobten, ihr lobtet, sie lobten. Past participle: gelobt (used with habe/hat): Er hat ihn gelobt. The verb typically takes a direct object when praising someone: Ich lobe ihn für seine Hilfe.

Usage notes: Loben can be transitive, taking a person or achievement as object (to praise someone, to praise an achievement). The noun Lob refers to the act or quality of praise, as in das Lob aussprechen (to voice praise) or Lob zollen (to pay homage or praise). In religious language, standard phrases such as Lobe den Herren appear in hymns and prayers.

Translations and related terms: In English, loben is commonly translated as “to praise” or “to extol.” Related terms include preisen, rühmen (to praise or extol), and Lob (praise). See also phrases and compounds such as Lobpreisung (praise) and Lobgesang (praise song).