conviction / mindset
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conviction / mindset
A person's basic way of thinking, attitude, or conviction, especially in political, ethical, or ideological matters.
Er wurde wegen seiner politischen Gesinnung verfolgt.
He was persecuted because of his political convictions.
The word 'Gesinnung' (conviction/mindset) is related to 'der Sinn' (sense/meaning) and the verb 'sinnen' (to reflect/ponder). It describes a person's inner attitude or basic direction of thinking.
Seine friedliche Gesinnung war allen bekannt.
His peaceful mindset was known to everyone.
'Gesinnung' (conviction/mindset) is a rather formal and elevated word. You often find it in texts about politics, history, ethics, or philosophy.
In der Diktatur war eine freiheitliche Gesinnung gefährlich.
In the dictatorship, a liberal-minded conviction was dangerous.
'Gesinnung' (conviction/mindset) is often combined with adjectives that describe an ideological or political orientation. Common examples are a 'politische' (political), 'demokratische' (democratic), 'liberale' (liberal), or 'konservative' (conservative) Gesinnung.
Der Verein ist offen für Menschen jeder politischen Gesinnung.
The association is open to people of every political conviction.
opinion
'die Meinung' and 'die Gesinnung' can both say something about a person's beliefs. But the difference is important: a 'Meinung' usually refers to a particular topic or a single question. A 'Gesinnung' is much more fundamental and describes a person's general attitude, often toward politics, morality, or worldview. You can change your opinion about a film, but 'Gesinnung' refers more to a deep inner mindset. The words can be confused because both have to do with beliefs. In everyday language, 'Meinung' is much more natural; 'Gesinnung' sounds more serious and fits better when talking about fundamental attitudes.
Im Gespräch wurde schnell klar, dass seine politische Gesinnung sehr stark ist.
In the conversation, it quickly became clear that his political convictions are very strong.
In der Familie hat jeder eine andere Meinung zu dem neuen Plan.
In the family, everyone has a different opinion about the new plan.