compass
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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.
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.
