The German word der Ruf means both reputation and call.
It’s one of those German words that packs multiple meanings into one syllable, used in both social judgments and literal sound-based communication.

It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German—and essential when talking about fame, gossip, or just shouting across the room.

Gender and Pronunciation

It’s a masculine noun: der Ruf.
Need help spotting patterns in noun gender? Try our video lesson—it's quick and clear.

Pronunciation:
Ruf is pronounced [roof]

• Rhymes with roof

• One syllable: ROOF

Example sentences

Er hat einen schlechten Ruf.
He has a bad reputation.

Der Ruf des Adlers hallte durch das Tal.
The eagle’s call echoed through the valley.

Sie folgt dem Ruf ihres Herzens.
She’s following the call of her heart.

Nuance and usage tips

📣 As call, Ruf is used for sounds—animal cries, shouting someone’s name, or metaphorical “callings.”

🧑‍⚖️ As reputation, it refers to someone’s public image, status, or standing (guter Ruf, schlechter Ruf).

📖 In literature or spiritual writing, der Ruf can mean a higher calling or destiny.

How does this word come up in real conversations?

"Der Professor hat einen Ruf nach Hamburg erhalten."
The professor received an offer (a call) to move to Hamburg.

"Sie genießt einen exzellenten Ruf in der Branche."
She enjoys an excellent reputation in the industry.

"Ich habe deinen Ruf gehört!"
I heard you calling!

Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)

Mila: Warum redet niemand mehr mit ihm?
Timo: Er hat leider einen schlechten Ruf bekommen.
Mila: Ach so. Weißt du warum?
Timo: Nicht genau – nur Gerüchte.

Translation:
Mila: Why does no one talk to him anymore?
Timo: Unfortunately, he got a bad reputation.
Mila: Oh. Do you know why?
Timo: Not exactly—just rumors.

Grammatical case examples

Nominative:
Der Ruf des Künstlers ist international bekannt.
The artist’s reputation is internationally known.

Accusative:
Ich habe seinen Ruf gehört.
I heard his call.

Dative:
Mit dem Ruf kann man viel bewirken.
With that reputation, you can accomplish a lot.

Genitive:
Die Stärke des Rufs war beeindruckend.
The strength of the reputation was impressive.

Other ways to say reputation or call in German

Ansehen (reputation/respect) and Image are used for how someone is perceived. Ruf is more natural and emotional. For call as a shout, Schrei (scream/yell) is stronger. In academia or professions, a Ruf also refers to a formal invitation to a new position (especially in universities).

Word variations and tidbits

You’ll see Ruf in:

• Rufname (first name by which someone is called)

• Berufung (calling, vocation)

• Schlachtruf (battle cry)

• Rufmord (defamation)

🧠 Fun fact: The phrase einen Ruf haben wie Donnerhall means “to have a reputation that echoes like thunder.”

📘 Duden entry for Ruf:
https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Ruf
🎥 Want to call on German fluency? Our video course teaches you the top 1000 nouns with clarity, visuals, and usage that sticks.

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