watchword / slogan / droppings
Loading your saved state.
password
A secret word or short sentence used for identification, for example to get past a guard or gain access to a protected area. Synonymous with 'Parole' (password) or 'Kennwort' (password).
Der Soldat nannte die richtige Losung und durfte das Lager betreten.
The soldier gave the correct password and was allowed to enter the camp.
slogan
A motto or slogan that summarizes the goals or beliefs of a group, party, or movement.
„Gerechtigkeit für alle“ war die Losung der Demonstranten.
'Justice for all' was the slogan of the demonstrators.
daily watchword
A Bible verse chosen by lot for the day or for a specific period, used for reflection and devotion. The Herrnhuter Losungen (Moravian Daily Texts) are especially well known.
Jeden Morgen liest sie die Losung für den Tag als spirituellen Impuls.
Every morning she reads the daily watchword as a spiritual impulse.
droppings
In hunting terminology, the term for the excrement of hoofed game, such as deer and roe deer, and some other wild animals.
Anhand der frischen Losung erkannte der Jäger, dass vor Kurzem ein Reh hier gewesen sein musste.
From the fresh droppings, the hunter could tell that a roe deer must have been here recently.
'Die Losung' is related to the verb 'losen' (to choose by lot) and the noun 'das Los' (fate, drawn lot). This origin explains the idea of an 'assigned' word, whether as a password or as a Bible verse.
Die tägliche Losung wird aus einem Behälter mit Bibelsprüchen gezogen.
The daily watchword is drawn from a container with Bible verses.
The meaning 'Exkremente von Wildtieren' (excrement of wild animals) is technical language used by hunters and foresters. In normal everyday life, this word is never used in this sense.
Der Jäger fand im Wald die Losung eines Hirsches.
The hunter found the droppings of a stag in the forest.
In the meaning 'Kennwort' (password), you will almost always find 'Losung' in a military or security-related context. Typical surrounding words are 'Soldat' (soldier), 'Wache' (guard), 'Lager' (camp), and 'geheim' (secret).
Der Wachposten fragte nach der korrekten Losung.
The sentry asked for the correct password.
When 'Losung' means a motto or slogan, it is usually connected with politics, demonstrations, or social movements. The slogan itself is often placed in quotation marks.
Die Losung der Protestierenden lautete: „Mehr Klimaschutz jetzt!“
The slogan of the protesters was: 'More climate protection now!'
You can recognize the meaning 'Bibelvers' (Bible verse) from the religious context. People often speak of the 'täglichen Losungen' (daily watchwords) or the 'Herrnhuter Losungen' (Moravian Daily Texts), which are read for devotion.
Sie beginnt ihren Tag oft mit dem Lesen der Losung.
She often begins her day by reading the daily watchword.
motto
Motto is the broader term for a short guiding idea, for example for an event or organization. Losung is particularly suited to a programmatic statement that brings together the goals or beliefs of a group, party, or movement. For a general guiding slogan, Motto is usually more neutral; for a call associated with a movement, Losung is a better fit.
Mit der Losung „Kohleausstieg jetzt“ fasst die Umweltbewegung ihr Ziel zusammen.
With the slogan “End coal use now,” the environmental movement sums up its goal.
„Gemeinsam für die Natur“ ist das Motto des Umweltvereins.
“Together for nature” is the environmental organization’s motto.
