German word

ethisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːtɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectiveethical

Example

Wir müssen eine ethische Entscheidung treffen.

We need to make an ethical decision.

Illustration for ethisch (ethical)

More examples

Er übernimmt ethische Verantwortung für das Projekt.

He takes on ethical responsibility for the project.

Core concept

An action or rule passes a principled test rather than resting only on personal preference or practical success.

Common phrases

  • ethische Verantwortung

    ethical responsibility

  • ethische Grundsätze

    ethical principles

  • ein ethisches Dilemma

    an ethical dilemma

Similar words

moralisch: Based on individual or shared views of right and wrong.
normativ: Expressing rules or standards considered binding for conduct or decisions.
rechtlich: Concerned with what laws and formal regulations permit or require.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Handlungen, Regeln oder Überlegungen, die auf ethischen Prinzipien basieren und als moralisch gerechtfertigt gelten.

Word origin

Ethisch is a learned German borrowing of Latin ethicus, which comes from Greek ēthikos and ultimately relates to ēthos, character or way of life.

Usage tips

  • German ethisch and moralisch often overlap, but ethisch commonly highlights evaluation by explicit principles, standards, or rules.

Other meanings

  • moraladjective
  • ethicallyadverb

Opposites

  • unethischunethicaladjective
  • amoralischamoraladjective

Related words

  • ethisierenethicalizeverb
  • Ethisierungethicalizationnoun

Word lists with this word