das  Credo

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʁeːdo/

📜 What exactly is a Credo?

The word Credo (noun, neuter) comes from Latin and literally means "I believe". It refers to:

• A creed or statement of belief: Especially in a religious context, like the Apostles' Creed in Christianity (das Apostolische Glaubensbekenntnis).
• A personal guiding principle or fundamental conviction: A principle or firm belief that someone lives or acts by (ein persönlicher Leitsatz oder eine grundlegende Überzeugung). Often used in professional or artistic contexts too.

It is almost exclusively used with the article das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Credo

Das Credo is a noun of the neuter gender (sächlich). It is generally used only in the singular, as it often represents a unique confession or guiding principle. A plural form (die Credos) is rare but possible when referring to several different creeds or principles.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das wichtigste Credo dieses Unternehmens ist Kundenzufriedenheit.
   The most important credo of this company is customer satisfaction.
2. Er lebt nach dem einfachen Credo: Ehrlich währt am längsten.
   He lives by the simple credo: Honesty is the best policy.
3. In der Messe wird oft das Credo gesprochen.
   The Credo is often spoken during mass.
4. Die verschiedenen Religionen haben unterschiedliche Credos. (Plural)
   The different religions have different credos.

💡 Everyday Usage

The word Credo is used in both formal and informal contexts, but often carries a more elevated or serious connotation.

• Religious context: Refers directly to a formulated statement of faith (e.g., das Nizänische Credo - the Nicene Creed).
• Personal / Philosophical context: Describes a person's fundamental beliefs (e.g., "Mein persönliches Credo ist..." - "My personal credo is...").
• Professional / Organizational context: Can describe the mission statement or core principles of a company or organization (e.g., "Das Credo unserer Marke lautet Qualität." - "The credo of our brand is quality.").

There is little risk of confusion as the word is quite specific. However, it implies a deeper, more fundamental conviction than words like Prinzip (principle) or Motto.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article: Think of abstract concepts often being neuter in German: das Bekenntnis (the confession), das Prinzip (the principle). Das Credo fits this pattern.

For the meaning: Imagine someone firmly stating: "I believe in this!" (Latin: Credo). That's their personal Credo, their guiding principle.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Credo

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Bäcker sein persönliches Credo geändert?

Er fand sein altes zu halb-backen!

Why did the baker change his personal credo?

He found his old one too half-baked!

📜 A Short Poem

Ein fester Punkt, ein Leitstern klar,
Das Credo zeigt, was immer war,
Was gilt im Herzen, tief und rein,
So soll dein Tun, dein Leben sein.

A fixed point, a guiding star clear,
The Credo shows what always was dear,
What holds true in the heart, deep and pure,
So shall your actions, your life endure.

🧩 Who or What Am I?

Ich bin ein Bekenntnis, oft laut gesagt,
Manchmal im Stillen, wohlüberlegt, gewagt.
Ich bin ein Leitsatz, der Richtung weist,
Ein fester Glaube, der Taten beweist.
Im Lateinischen heißt's: "Ich glaube" tief,
Was bin ich, dieser Grundsatz, dieser Brief?

I am a confession, often said aloud,
Sometimes in silence, well-considered, avowed.
I am a guiding principle, showing the way,
A firm belief that proves deeds each day.
In Latin it means: "I believe" deep inside,
What am I, this principle, this guide?

Solution: Das Credo

🌐 Further Information

• Origin: The word comes directly from Latin: credo means "I believe". It is the first-person singular present active indicative of credere (to believe, to trust).
• Music: In classical music, the "Credo" is an important part of the Mass (Ordinarium Missae), often set to music as a complex choral piece.
• Figurative Meaning: The term is often used slightly ironically or at least deliberately to emphasize the importance of a principle (um die Wichtigkeit eines Prinzips zu unterstreichen).