compass
der Kompass, die Kompasse
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compass
An instrument with a freely moving magnetic needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field and thus shows the cardinal direction, especially north. It is used for navigation and orientation.
Beim Wandern im unbekannten Wald half uns der Kompass, den richtigen Weg zu finden.
While hiking in the unfamiliar forest, the compass helped us find the right way.
compass
In a figurative sense, an inner guideline, value system, or principle that gives a person orientation in life or in moral decisions.
Sein starker moralischer Kompass verbietet es ihm, unehrlich zu sein.
His strong moral compass prevents him from being dishonest.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kompasse |
| genitive | des Kompasses |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kompass | die Kompasse |
| accusative | den Kompass | die Kompasse |
| dative | dem Kompass | den Kompassen |
| genitive | des Kompasses | der Kompasse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about navigation, geography, or hiking, the instrument is meant. In connection with words like 'moralisch' (moral), 'innerer' (inner), or 'Werte' (values), the figurative meaning as a guide is meant.
Ohne Karte und Kompass hätten wir uns im Wald verlaufen.
Without a map and compass, we would have gotten lost in the forest.
Er hat einen festen inneren Kompass und weiß genau, was richtig und was falsch ist.
He has a firm inner compass and knows exactly what is right and what is wrong.
When the instrument is meant, 'Kompass' (compass) is often used with verbs like 'ablesen' (to read), 'benutzen' (to use), or 'sich orientieren' (to orient oneself). An important part of the compass is the 'Nadel' (needle), which 'zeigt' (points) in a direction.
Lerne, wie man einen Kompass richtig abliest.
Learn how to read a compass correctly.
Die Nadel des Kompasses zeigt immer nach Norden.
The needle of the compass always points north.
In the figurative meaning, 'Kompass' (compass) is almost always used with an adjective that describes its type. The most common combinations are 'moralischer Kompass' (moral compass) and 'innerer Kompass' (inner compass).
Manche Menschen verlieren im Laufe ihres Lebens ihren moralischen Kompass.
Some people lose their moral compass over the course of their lives.
Ihr innerer Kompass sagte ihr, dass diese Entscheidung falsch war.
Her inner compass told her that this decision was wrong.
