die Maxime
maxim
A personal principle or rule of life according to which a person guides their actions.
EXAMPLE
Seine oberste Maxime war es, immer ehrlich zu sein.
His highest maxim was always to be honest.
die Maxime
maxim
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Meanings
die Maxime
maxim
In philosophy, especially in Kant, a subjective principle of willing that could serve as a universal law.
EXAMPLE
Handle nur nach derjenigen Maxime, durch die du zugleich wollen kannst, dass sie ein allgemeines Gesetz werde.
Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.
Usage tips
Elevated style
The word 'Maxime' (maxim) belongs to formal, educated usage. It is found more often in written language, in philosophical texts, or in sophisticated discussions.
EXAMPLE
Die Maxime des Unternehmens ist absolute Kundenzufriedenheit.
The company's maxim is absolute customer satisfaction.
Sentence structure
The content of a maxim is often expressed with an infinitive clause with 'zu' (to) or a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that). The maxim itself appears as the subject or object in the main clause.
EXAMPLE
Er handelte nach der Maxime, anderen stets zu helfen.
He acted according to the maxim of always helping others.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Maxime' (maxim) are 'einer Maxime folgen' (to follow a maxim), 'nach einer Maxime handeln' (to act according to a maxim), or 'eine Maxime haben' (to have a maxim).
EXAMPLE
Sie versuchte, ihr Leben lang ihren Maximen treu zu bleiben.
She tried to remain true to her maxims throughout her life.
Context clue
The philosophical meaning of 'Maxime' (maxim) is found almost exclusively in the context of ethics, especially in Immanuel Kant. When the 'kategorischer Imperativ' (categorical imperative) is mentioned, this meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Im Seminar diskutierten wir Kants Konzept der Maxime als subjektives Handlungsprinzip.
In the seminar, we discussed Kant's concept of the maxim as a subjective principle of action.
Compare with
Maxime vs Regel
rule / period
Regel and Maxime can both guide a person's behavior. A Regel is a neutral, often specific requirement. A Maxime is a broader personal principle that someone uses to guide their actions in different situations.
Maxime
Nora folgt der Maxime, jeden Menschen mit Respekt zu behandeln.
Nora follows the maxim of treating every person with respect.
Regel
Nora folgt der Regel, andere im Gespräch nicht zu unterbrechen.
Nora follows the rule not to interrupt others during a conversation.
In real life
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