compass
Loading your saved state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
principle
'das Prinzip' and 'der Kompass' can both provide orientation for how to act. 'das Prinzip' is more like a fixed rule or belief that you use to make decisions. Here, 'der Kompass' does not mean the device, but figuratively an inner orientation that shows someone what is right or important. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with values and decisions. 'Prinzip' sounds more precise when you are naming a rule. 'Kompass' fits better when speaking figuratively about moral or personal orientation.
In schwierigen Momenten hilft ihm sein innerer Kompass bei der Entscheidung.
In difficult moments, his inner compass helps him make decisions.
Ihr wichtigstes Prinzip ist, immer ehrlich mit den Kunden zu sprechen.
Her most important principle is to always speak honestly with customers.