das  Dogma

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdɔkma/

📖 What Exactly is a Dogma?

Das Dogma (noun, neuter) refers to a fixed, binding doctrine, article of faith, or principle that is considered irrefutable and true, tolerating no contradiction. Dogmen (plural) are often found in:

• Religions: e.g., articles of faith about God, salvation, etc. (Glaubenssätze).
• Ideologies: e.g., fundamental political or philosophical beliefs (politische oder philosophische Grundüberzeugungen).
• Philosophy of Science: (less common) as an unquestioned basic assumption.

The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying rigidity or a lack of willingness to discuss (⚠️). There is only one article for this word: 'das'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Das Dogma

The word 'Dogma' is a neuter noun (sächliches Geschlecht).

Note: The plural can be 'Dogmen' (more common) or 'Dogmata' (closer to the Greek original, often used in theological/philosophical contexts).

📝 Example Sentences:

1. Die Kirche hält an diesem alten Dogma fest.
   (The church adheres to this old dogma.)
2. Er hinterfragte die politischen Dogmen seiner Zeit.
   (He questioned the political dogmas of his time.)
3. Für Wissenschaftler ist es wichtig, vermeintliche Dogmata immer wieder zu prüfen.
   (For scientists, it is important to repeatedly test supposed dogmata.)
4. Das Festhalten an starren Dogmen kann Fortschritt behindern.
   (Adhering to rigid dogmas can hinder progress.)

💬 How to Use 'das Dogma'?

Das Dogma is mostly used to describe a firm, irrefutable doctrine or article of faith. The context is often:

• Religious (Religiös): Referring to the fundamental beliefs of a church or religious community.
• Ideological/Political (Ideologisch/Politisch): Describing rigid political or worldview principles.
• Critical (Kritisch): The term is frequently used to criticize narrow-mindedness, rigidity, or a lack of openness to discussion. Someone who is dogmatisch (dogmatic) stubbornly clings to their beliefs.

Compared to 'Lehrsatz' (tenet) or 'Grundsatz' (principle), 'Dogma' more strongly carries the meaning of being unquestionable and sometimes imposed or accepted uncritically.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Dogma'

1. For the article 'das': Think of other neuter concepts like 'das System' or 'das Prinzip'. A dogma is like a fixed principle or a rigid system of beliefs. Abstract concepts often use 'das'.
2. For the meaning: Imagine a stubborn dog saying 'Ma!' whenever you try to argue with its fixed belief. It's a Dog-ma – an unchangeable idea held stubbornly.

Think: Das System of a Dog-ma's belief is rigid.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities

⚠️ Attention: While 'Doktrin' (doctrine) is similar, it often refers to an entire body of teachings, whereas 'Dogma' tends to emphasize a single, central tenet.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum streiten sich zwei Dogmen nie?
Weil beide unnachgiebig darauf bestehen, Recht zu haben! 😉

(Why do two dogmas never argue?
Because both unyieldingly insist on being right!)

📜 A Little Poem

Ein Satz, in Stein gemeißelt,
Das Dogma, das nicht zweifelt.
Kein Wenn, kein Aber, keine Frag’,
So bleibt es fest, Tag für Tag.

Doch Geist, der frei und offen,
Lässt auf Veränderung hoffen.
Denn starre Mauern, alt und grau,
Verbergen oft den klaren Bau.

(A sentence, carved in stone,
The dogma, doubt is never shown.
No 'if', no 'but', no question's sway,
So it remains, day by day.

But minds that free and open roam,
Let hope for change find a home.
For rigid walls, old and grey,
Often hide the clearer way.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Satz, der fest und klar,
Glaub an mich, sonst ist's fürwahr
Für manche eine große Sünd'.
Diskussion? Beginnt geschwind?
Nein, ich steh' felsenfest,
Geb' keinen Millimeter Rest.

Was bin ich, starr und oft kritisiert?

(I am a sentence, firm and clear,
Believe in me, or else, it's dear,
For some, a very grievous sin.
Discussion? Does it quick begin?
No, I stand steadfast as a rock,
Won't yield an inch around the clock.

What am I, rigid and often criticized?
Solution: das Dogma)

💡 More about 'Dogma'

Etymology: The word 'Dogma' comes from the Ancient Greek word δόγμα (dógma), meaning 'opinion', 'tenet', but also 'decree' or 'ordinance'. It derives from the verb δοκεῖν (dokeîn), meaning 'to suppose', 'to believe', or 'to seem'.

Connotation: As mentioned, 'Dogma' in modern usage often carries a negative connotation, describing an uncritical adherence to outdated or unproven ideas. The adjective 'dogmatisch' (dogmatic) is almost always used negatively.