die Tugend
Translation
virtue, merit
Examples
Geduld ist eine wichtige Tugend.
Patience is an important virtue.
Er ist ein Mann von großer Tugend.
He is a man of great virtue.
Grammar Patterns
to make a virtue of sth. He makes a virtue of necessity.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Moral, Sittlichkeit; Antonyms: Laster, Untugend
Etymology
From Middle High German 'tugent' (ability, strength, good quality), related to 'taugen' (to be of use).
Memory Tips
Think of 'Tugend' as what makes someone 'taugen' (suitable/good) for society.