verdienste

Verdienste is a German noun formed as the plural of Verdienst and can denote two related, but distinct concepts depending on context: merit or achievements, and earnings or income. In the sense of merit, Verdienste describe the positive contributions, services, or accomplishments of a person or group that are recognized as valuable by others. This usage is common in biographies, obituaries, and official honors, and appears in phrases such as für seine Verdienste um das Gemeinwohl or Sie wurden für ihre Verdienste um die Wissenschaft ausgezeichnet. The term is also linked to awards and decorations, for example der Verdienstorden (Order of Merit), whose purpose is to acknowledge notable Verdienste.

In the economic sense, Verdienste can refer to earnings or income. However, this meaning is less common in everyday language, where finanzial terms like Einkommen, Verdienst (singular), Einkünfte or Gehalt are typically used. When speaking about finances, Verdienste in the plural may come across as archaic or formal, and the singular Verdienst is usually preferred.

Etymology and nuance: Verdienste derives from verdienen, meaning to deserve or to earn. The plural form emphasizes the aggregate of earned or deserved qualities or sums.

Regional and usage notes: The term is understood throughout German-speaking areas, with slight stylistic preferences in Austria and Switzerland. Related concepts include Leistung (achievement), Anerkennung (recognition), and Verdienstorden (order of merit).