German word

Prinzip

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁɪnˈtsiːp/

Meaning

  • neuter nounprinciple

Example

In unserer Firma gelten klare Prinzipien.

Clear principles are in force at our company.

Illustration for Prinzip (principle)

More examples

Wenn eine Firma gegen ein Prinzip verstoßen hat, verliert sie Vertrauen.

If a company has violated a principle, it loses trust.

Core concept

A guiding rule acts like a compass for decisions and can express a standard or ideal.

Common phrases

  • gegen ein Prinzip verstoßen

    violate a principle

  • ein Prinzip anwenden

    apply a principle

  • sich an ein Prinzip halten

    adhere to a principle

Similar words

Grundsatz: A fundamental policy that directs personal or organizational conduct.
Überzeugung: A firmly held belief or conviction.
Regel: A rule that sets what must be done in a specific situation.
Norm: A recognized standard for behavior in a society or group.

Definition in German

ein grundlegender Leitgedanke, nach dem Entscheidungen getroffen werden

Word origin

German Prinzip comes through French principe from Latin principium, meaning a beginning or fundamental basis.

Usage tips

  • Prinzip is neuter, with the plural Prinzipien, and its plural ending differs from the English plural principles.

Opposites

  • Beliebigkeitarbitrarinessnoun

Related words

  • prinzipiellprincipledadjective
  • prinzipienorientiertprinciple-orientedadjective

Word lists with this word