die  Integrität

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪntɛɡʁiˈtɛːt/

🧐 What does Integrität mean?

Die Integrität (feminine) is a German noun describing several related concepts:

• Moral uprightness / Integrity: The consistency between personal values, beliefs, and actions. A person with Integrität acts honestly, ethically, and according to principles, even when it's difficult or disadvantageous. Example: Ihre berufliche Integrität steht außer Frage. (Her professional integrity is beyond question.)
• Inviolability / Wholeness: The state of being whole, undamaged, or complete. This can refer to physical objects, systems, or people. Example: Die territoriale Integrität eines Staates ist ein hohes Gut. (The territorial integrity of a state is a valuable asset.) Or: Die Datenintegrität muss sichergestellt werden. (Data integrity must be ensured.)

It's an abstract noun, often used in the singular. The article is always die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Die Integrität

The noun die Integrität is feminine. As it's an abstract concept, it is almost exclusively used in the singular. The plural form (die Integritäten) is very uncommon and rarely used.

Declension Singular

Note: The indefinite article 'eine' is rarely used, as Integrität is often understood as a comprehensive concept.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Integrität des Zeugen wurde vom Anwalt angezweifelt.
   (The integrity of the witness was questioned by the lawyer.)
2. Man bewunderte ihn wegen seiner unerschütterlichen Integrität.
   (He was admired for his unwavering integrity.)
3. Wir müssen der persönlichen Integrität jedes Einzelnen Respekt zollen.
   (We must respect the personal integrity of each individual.)
4. Er verteidigte seine Integrität gegen die Vorwürfe.
   (He defended his integrity against the accusations.)

💡 How to Use 'Integrität' Correctly

Die Integrität is used in various contexts:

• In an ethical/personal context: Here, it refers to a person's moral soundness and honesty. Seine Integrität verbietet es ihm, Bestechungsgelder anzunehmen. (His integrity forbids him from accepting bribes.)
• In a legal/political context: Often related to the inviolability of borders or rights. Die territoriale Integrität ist ein Grundpfeiler des Völkerrechts. (Territorial integrity is a cornerstone of international law.)
• In a technical/data context: Refers to the correctness and completeness of data or systems. Bei der Datenübertragung muss die Integrität der Informationen gewährleistet sein. (During data transmission, the integrity of the information must be guaranteed.)
• In a physical context: Describes the physical wholeness or soundness of a body or object. Die körperliche Integrität ist ein Menschenrecht. (Bodily integrity is a human right.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Ehrlichkeit (Honesty): Primarily refers to truthfulness in speech and action. Integrität is broader, including consistency with values.
• Rechtschaffenheit (Righteousness): Similar to Integrität, but often emphasizes adherence to law and moral correctness more strongly.
• Authentizität (Authenticity): Emphasizes being genuine and the consistency of actions with one's inner self, closely related to Integrität.

🧠 Memory Aids for 'die Integrität'

Article Mnemonic

Remember: Many abstract German nouns ending in -tät (like Qualität, Realität, Identität) are feminine. So, it's die Integrität! Think of words like 'quality', 'reality' often ending in 'ty' in English, similar to '-tät', and associate it with 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic

The word comes from the Latin 'integritas' (wholeness, soundness). Think of 'integer' in math – a whole number. A person with Integrität is 'whole', consistent, not broken or corrupted. They are integer.

🔄 Related Words: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Words like 'Redlichkeit' (probity) or 'Anstand' (decency) are similar but not always exact synonyms and may carry different nuances.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie Integrität?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ich habe alles Mögliche versucht, aber diesen Virus werde ich einfach nicht los!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have integrity (Integrität)?"
The employee replies: "I've tried everything, but I just can't get rid of this virus!"

(A pun humorously misunderstanding 'Integrität'.)

📜 A Short Poem

Die Integrität, ein stilles Licht,
zeigt im Dunkeln dein Gesicht.
Was du sagst und was du tust,
in Einklang sei'n, wenn du ruhst
und wenn du wachst, bei Tag und Nacht,
hast du an deinen Wert gedacht?
Sei ganz du selbst, sei wahr, sei echt,
dann lebst du dieses hohe Recht.

Translation:
Integrity, a silent light,
shows your face within the night.
What you say and what you do,
in harmony, when resting through
and when awake, by day and night,
have you considered your own might?
Be wholly you, be true, be real,
then you live this high ideal.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Wert, den viele schätzen,
lässt dich nicht auf Lügen setzen.
Ich meine Ganzheit, Ehrlichkeit,
bin standhaft in der Prüfungszeit.
Man spricht von mir bei Mensch und Staat,
und auch bei Daten, früh und spat.

Was bin ich?
(... Die Integrität)

Translation:
I am a value many prize,
won't let you rely on lies.
I mean wholeness, honesty,
am steadfast in times of testing.
I'm spoken of for man and state,
and also data, early and late.

What am I?
(... Integrity / Die Integrität)

🤓 More to Know

• Etymology: The word derives from the Latin adjective 'integer' (untouched, whole, entire) and the noun 'integritas' (soundness, integrity, honesty).
• Related Terms: In German, there is also the adjective 'integer', which describes a person possessing integrity (e.g., ein integrer Politiker - a politician with integrity).
• Context Dependency: The exact meaning of Integrität can vary slightly depending on the context (personal, political, technical).