würde

Würde is a German noun meaning dignity, worth, or social status. In ordinary language it is used for personal self-respect and for the expectation that a person be treated with respect. In philosophy and law the term often connotes an intrinsic value possessed by every person, not earned by achievements or position.

Etymology and sense-making: the noun Würde derives from older Germanic roots tied to worth and honor, reflecting the idea that a person has inherent value. The word is distinct from related terms such as Wert (value) and Ehre (honor). In everyday usage, Würde can describe a person’s composure or the need to maintain dignity in difficult situations.

Usage in law and ethics: in German-speaking legal and political discourse, Menschenwürde (human dignity) is a foundational concept. It is enshrined as a fundamental right in the German Basic Law and is interpreted as an intrinsic value that warrants protection and respect from the state and others. The concept functions as a constitutional limit on government power and as a moral standard for treating individuals as ends in themselves rather than as means.

Philosophical significance: in Kantian thought, dignity refers to the intrinsic worth of rational beings, which requires treating persons as autonomous agents with moral rights. This view underpins modern human rights frameworks that emphasize universal dignity and non-discrimination.

Distinguishing forms: Würde as a noun is pronounced and written with a capital initial letter when used as a noun. The same spelling appears in lowercase wür­de as a verb form of würden, the conditional mood meaning would, which is a different grammatical function and not related to the noun sense.