die  Moral

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/moˈʁaːl/

📜 What does "die Moral" mean?

The word die Moral (feminine) primarily has two meanings in German:

1. Ethics and Morality: This refers to the entirety of ethical norms, principles, and values that regulate interpersonal behavior in a society or group and are considered binding. It's about the understanding of "right" and "wrong". Example: die christliche Moral (Christian morality), eine Doppelmoral haben (to have double standards).
2. Mental State and Fighting Spirit (Morale): This meaning describes the inner state, mood, confidence, or fighting spirit of a person or group, especially in difficult situations or competition. Example: Die Moral der Truppe war trotz der Niederlage ungebrochen (The morale of the troops was unbroken despite the defeat). Die Arbeitsmoral im Team ist hoch (The work morale in the team is high).

🚨 Attention: Although both meanings exist, 'die Moral' is more frequently used in the sense of ethics and morality.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Moral"

Die Moral is a feminine noun. The plural "die Moralen" is rare and mostly used when referring to different systems of morals. In general usage, it's mostly used in the singular, especially when talking about mental state (morale).

Declension

💡 Example Sentences

• Die öffentliche Moral hat sich über die Jahre verändert. (Public morality has changed over the years.)
• Er handelte stets nach seiner eigenen Moral. (He always acted according to his own morals.)
• Hohe Arbeitsbelastung kann die Moral der Mitarbeiter senken. (High workload can lower employee morale.)
• Der Trainer versuchte, die Moral der Mannschaft zu heben. (The coach tried to boost the team's morale.)

🗣️ How to use "die Moral"?

The use of die Moral strongly depends on the context:

• In a philosophical/ethical context: Here, one talks about moral codes (Moralkodizes), moral dilemmas (moralische Dilemmata), or the foundations of moral action. Often found in compound words like Moralphilosophie (moral philosophy), Moralkodex (moral code), Sexualmoral (sexual morality).
• In a social/psychological context: This refers to the mood or state of a group or individual. Typical terms include Arbeitsmoral (work morale), Kampfmoral (fighting spirit), Siegesmoral (winning morale). One speaks of morale being 'high' (hoch) or 'low' (niedrig), 'sinking' (sinkt) or 'rising' (steigt).

Distinction from similar words:

• Ethik: Often used synonymously with Moral (in the sense of moral doctrine), but also refers to the philosophical discipline dealing with morality (Moralphilosophie).
• Anstand: Refers more to outward behavior and social conventions than to deeper ethical principles.
• Moralität: Denotes the quality of a person's moral actions or character.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Moral"

1. Remembering the article 'die':

   Imagine a wise woman ('die' is feminine) giving advice about die Moral. Feminine words often end in -e, -heit, -keit, -schaft, -ung... but 'Moral' is an exception you just have to learn, maybe link it to 'die Frau' (the woman) who teaches morality.

2. Remembering the meaning:

   Think of 'Morale' in English, which is one meaning (fighting spirit). For the ethics meaning, think of the 'Moral' of a story, which teaches right from wrong. So, die Moral covers both 'morale' and the 'moral' of the story (ethics).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words

• Moralin: Pejorative term for excessive, hypocritical, or pushy moral preaching (often described as 'moralinsauer' - self-righteously moralistic).
• Mores: (Plural noun, from Latin) Refers to the customs and habits of a society.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was ist der Unterschied zwischen Moral und Ethik?"
Fritzchen: "Moral ist, wenn ich Papas Geld nicht klaue. Ethik ist, wenn ich erklären kann, warum nicht." 😄

English Translation: The teacher asks: "Little Fritz, what's the difference between morals and ethics?"
Little Fritz: "Morals is when I don't steal Dad's money. Ethics is when I can explain why not." 😄

✍️ Poem about Moral

German:
Die Moral, ein Kompass leis,
zeigt den Weg auf unsre Reis'.
Mal als Tugend, fest und klar,
mal als Stimmung, wunderbar.

Im Herzen tief, im Geist bereit,
führt sie uns durch Raum und Zeit.
Ob im Kampf, ob im Disput,
sie gibt uns Halt und frischen Mut.

English Translation:
Morality, a compass slight,
shows the path upon our flight.
Sometimes virtue, firm and clear,
sometimes mood, banishing fear.

Deep in heart, in spirit free,
it guides us through eternity.
Whether in struggle or dispute,
it gives us hold and fresh repute (courage).

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Maß für Gut und Schlecht,
mal bin ich Tugend, mal Gefecht.
Ich sitz' im Kopf, im Herz, im Bauch,
und präge unsern Lebenshauch.
Mal bin ich hoch, mal bin ich tief,
besonders wenn die Truppe rief.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:
I am a measure of good and bad,
Sometimes virtue, sometimes fighting mad.
I sit in the head, the heart, the gut,
And shape the life we strut.
Sometimes I'm high, sometimes I'm low,
Especially when the troops must go.

What am I? (Answer: die Moral / Morality/Morale)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): 'Die Moral' is often part of compound nouns highlighting specific areas or aspects:

• Moralvorstellung: Personal or societal idea of what is moral.
• Moralapostel: (often pejorative) Someone who constantly preaches morality to others; a moralizer.
• Doppelmoral: Double standards; applying different moral standards to oneself and others.
• Zahlungsmoral: Payment morale; the willingness or habit of paying bills on time.

Etymology: The word comes from the Latin adjective moralis, meaning "concerning customs or manners". This was coined by the Roman orator Cicero as a translation of the Greek word ēthikós (ἠθικός). It entered German via the French word morale.