das  Motto

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɔto/

📜 What does "das Motto" mean?

Das Motto (noun, neuter) refers to a Leitsatz (guiding principle), a Wahlspruch (motto, slogan), or a Leitmotiv (leitmotif) that characterizes a person, group, event, or work, or serves as a guideline.

It's a loanword from Italian (motto = 'word, epigram') and is used as a neuter noun in German.

• Meaning 1: A short, concise sentence or expression summarizing a fundamental attitude, goal, or guiding idea (e.g., a Lebensmotto - life motto).
• Meaning 2: A theme or guiding idea for an event, campaign, or artistic work.

🚨 There are no other articles for "Motto"; it is always das Motto.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Motto" in Detail

"Das Motto" is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is usually declined weakly, especially in the genitive singular.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Sein persönliches Motto lautet: "Carpe diem!" (His personal motto is: "Carpe diem!")
2. Das Motto der diesjährigen Konferenz ist "Innovation und Nachhaltigkeit". (The motto of this year's conference is "Innovation and Sustainability".)
3. Wir brauchen ein eingängiges Motto für unsere Werbekampagne. (We need a catchy motto for our advertising campaign.)
4. Die verschiedenen Gruppen hatten kreative Mottos für ihre Projekte gewählt. (The different groups had chosen creative mottos for their projects.)

💡 How to use "das Motto"?

"Das Motto" is used in various contexts to express a guiding principle:

• Personal philosophy of life: Many people have a Lebensmotto (life motto) that reflects their attitude or principles (e.g., „Immer positiv denken!“ - "Always think positive!").
• Events and celebrations: Parties, conferences, or festivals often operate under a specific Motto that sets the theme (e.g., „Mittelaltermarkt“ - "Medieval Market", „Zurück in die 80er“ - "Back to the 80s").
• Organizations and companies: Firms or associations use Mottos (often also called Slogans) to communicate their values or goals.
• Literature and art: A book, chapter, or artwork might be preceded by a Motto that hints at the content.

Compared to synonyms like Leitspruch or Wahlspruch, "Motto" often sounds more modern and less formal. Slogan is more commonly used in marketing contexts.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Motto"

Article Mnemonic

Think: A Motto is often something neutral, general – like a theme or guideline. The neuter article "das" fits this neutral character well. It ends in -o, like many neuter loanwords (das Auto, das Foto, das Radio, das Büro...). So it's das Motto!

Meaning Mnemonic

Imagine someone asking: "What's your motto?" – Your answer is a short, catchy phrase guiding you. The word itself sounds short and snappy, just like a good motto should be.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "das Motto"

Similar but different words:

• Das Thema: Theme/topic, broader concept, the subject matter (a motto can be part of a theme).
• Die Parole: Password/watchword, often political or military, a recognition or rallying word.

😂 A little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir ein Motto für Faulheit nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Morgen ist auch noch ein Tag zum Nichtstun!"

Teacher asks: "Who can give me a motto for laziness?"
Little Fritz answers: "Tomorrow is also a day for doing nothing!"

✍️ Poem about the Motto

Ein Motto, kurz und klar,
weist den Weg, Jahr für Jahr.
Ob "Vorwärts!" oder "Nie allein!",
Es soll dein Kompass sein.
Ein kleiner Satz mit großer Kraft,
der Orientierung schafft.

A motto, short and clear,
Shows the way, year after year.
Whether "Forward!" or "Never alone!",
It shall be your compass stone.
A little phrase with mighty power,
Providing guidance every hour.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein kurzer Spruch, ein Wort,
leit dich an manchem Ort.
Für Feste, Leben oder Plan,
fang ich oft die Richtung an.

Was bin ich? ... Das Motto

I am a short phrase, a word,
Guiding you, often heard.
For parties, life, or a plan,
I often start where things began.

What am I?

... Das Motto (The Motto)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

• Origin: The word "Motto" comes from Italian (motto), meaning 'word', 'saying', 'joke'. It entered German via French.
• Word Formations: Common compound words include Lebensmotto (life motto), Parteimotto (party motto), Firmenmotto (company motto), or Veranstaltungsmotto (event motto).