01
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
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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
'die Regel' and 'die Maxime' can both be a principle for action. However, 'die Regel' is much more general and can come from outside, for example from a company, a school, or a law. 'die Maxime' is more of a personal principle that someone wants to live or work by. The words can be confused because both describe what someone uses as a guide. For concrete regulations, you usually use 'Regel'. For a personal idea about life or work, 'Maxime' fits better.
Maxime
Sie sagt, dass Ehrlichkeit ihre wichtigste Maxime im Beruf ist.
She says that honesty is her most important maxim at work.
Regel
Die wichtigste Regel des Teams ist: Probleme werden sofort angesprochen.
The team's most important rule is: problems are addressed immediately.
In real life
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