érdem

Érdem is a Hungarian noun meaning merit, worthiness, or the quality of being deserving of reward or praise. It denotes the intrinsic or justifiably recognized value that qualifies someone or something for recognition, reward, or esteem. In everyday language, érmek is used to speak about the merits of actions, decisions, or people, as in discussions of what is deserved or praise-worthy. The concept also appears in more formal contexts, such as ethics and moral philosophy, where merit is considered in relation to deserved rewards, punishments, or honors.

A common derivative form is érmes, with the adjective érdes meaning "worthwhile" in many everyday phrases. The verb megérdemel, meaning "to deserve," is closely connected to the noun and is widely used in speech to indicate that someone or something has earned a reward or recognition. In philosophy and social thought, érdem is discussed as a criterion for just rewards, distinguishing merit from luck or circumstance. The idea of merit often intersects with debates about fairness, deservedness, and the criteria by which rewards should be allocated in institutions such as education, employment, and public honors.

Related terms in Hungarian cover value and worth, such as érték (value) and méltányosság (fairness). Translations of érdem include merit and worthiness in English, and the word is used to express both individual qualities and the justification for favorable treatment or recognition in various contexts.

See also: value, merit, ethics, fairness.