das Erbe
Translation
inheritance, heritage, legacy
Examples
Er trat ein schweres Erbe an.
He took on a difficult legacy.
Das kulturelle Erbe des Landes ist reich.
The country's cultural heritage is rich.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) antreten to take on ((sth.)) He took on a difficult legacy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Erbschaft, das Vermächtnis; Antonyms: die Schuld (debt)
Etymology
From Old High German 'erbi' (inheritance), related to the word for 'heir'.
Memory Tips
Note the gender difference: 'das Erbe' is the neuter thing (inheritance), while 'der Erbe' is the masculine person (heir).