[2024-09-10] Learn German Proverbs and Words with Us!

Prinzip

Principle is translated as 'Prinzip' in German. It is used in the same way as in English, referring to a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. For example, 'The principle of non-violence is central to Gandhi's teachings.' would be translated as 'Das Prinzip der Gewaltlosigkeit steht im Mittelpunkt der Lehren Gandhis.'

Here's how to use it:

• Im Prinzip stimme ich dir zu.
• Das ist das Prinzip der Sache.
• Wir arbeiten auf dem Prinzip der Gleichheit.

Kritik

Kritik is the German word for criticism. It is used to express disapproval or negative feedback about something or someone. It can be constructive or destructive, depending on the intention and the way it is delivered. Kritik is often used in academic, artistic, and professional contexts, where it is expected to be objective, fair, and respectful.

Here's how to use it:

• Kritik kann oft zu Verbesserungen führen.
• Ich akzeptiere Ihre Kritik.
• Die Kritik an seiner Arbeit war unbegründet.

Vers

The German word 'Vers' is used to refer to a line of poetry or a verse in a song. It is the equivalent of the English word 'verse'. In German, 'Vers' is a masculine noun and it is often used in the context of literature and music.

Here's how to use it:

• Der Vers ist der schönste Teil eines Gedichts.
• Er konnte sich den Vers nicht merken.
• Jeder Vers hat eine besondere Bedeutung.

so

In German, the word 'so' is used as an adverb, a conjunction, or a pronoun, just like in English. It can mean 'in this way', 'thus', 'therefore', 'so that', 'so much', or 'such'. It is also used in expressions like 'so viel', meaning 'so much', or 'so gut', meaning 'so good'. Its usage depends on the context and the sentence structure.

Here's how to use it:

• So ist das Leben.
• Er läuft so schnell er kann.
• So weit, so gut.

sich schämen

The German phrase 'sich schämen' is used to express the feeling of embarrassment or shame. It is a reflexive verb, meaning it is used with 'sich' to indicate that the subject is performing the action on itself. For example, 'Ich schäme mich' means 'I am ashamed.' The word 'schämen' can also be used on its own to mean 'to be ashamed,' but the reflexive form is more common.

Here's how to use it:

• Sie sollte sich schämen, sie hat ihre Freunde betrogen.
• Er schämt sich öffentlich für sein Verhalten.
• Ich schäme mich nicht, Fehler zu machen.

Ende gut, alles gut.