Dictionary
erbe
German → American English
American English
heritage
Something handed down from the past, especially cultural traditions, values, or property; also an heir.
Das kulturelle Erbe der Stadt ist sehr reich.Use Erbe for something inherited or culturally passed down. For legal money/property, Erbschaft is often more precise.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Erbe” mean in English?
“Erbe” usually means “heritage” or “legacy,” and in legal contexts it can also mean “inheritance.”
What is the difference between “Erbe” and “Erbschaft”?
“Erbe” can mean heritage, legacy, or an heir; “Erbschaft” specifically means inheritance, usually the property or estate received after someone dies.
How do you use “kulturelles Erbe” in English?
“Kulturelles Erbe” means “cultural heritage.”
Is “Erbe” countable in German?
Yes, depending on the meaning. As “an heir,” it is countable; as “heritage,” it is often used more generally or in compounds like “kulturelles Erbe.”