German Conversation · Level 146
29 words
German word
Devise
Pronunciation
IPA/deˈviːzə/
Meaning
- feminine nounmotto
Example
Als Team ist unsere Devise: 'Der Kunde kommt zuerst'.
As a team, our motto is: "The customer comes first".
More examples
Er hat sich die Devise gegeben, immer neugierig zu bleiben.
He has adopted the motto of always remaining curious.
Core concept
A compact verbal banner that a person or group keeps in view when choosing how to act.
Common phrases
sich eine Devise geben
adopt a motto
Die Devise des Unternehmens
the company's motto
Similar words
Motto: A brief statement reflecting personal or collective beliefs.
Leitspruch: A succinct phrase serving as a guide for conduct or conviction.
Slogan: A catchy promotional phrase associated mainly with advertising or campaigns.
Grundsatz: A broad basic principle underlying judgment and behavior.
Definition in German
Devise (f.) prägnanter Leitspruch, der als Leitprinzip für Haltung und Handeln einer Person oder Gruppe dient.
Word origin
Devise entered German through French devise, which developed from an Old French word for a motto or descriptive statement.
Usage tips
- Devise usually names a guiding principle, whereas Slogan more often refers to a catchy advertising or campaign phrase.
Other meanings
- slogannoun
Opposites
- Beliebigkeitarbitrarinessnoun