moral
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moral
Relating to morality; in accordance with principles of good and evil or right and wrong behavior.
Die Frage, ob Klonen erlaubt sein sollte, ist eine schwierige moralische Entscheidung.
The question of whether cloning should be allowed is a difficult moral decision.
The adjective 'moralisch' (moral) is derived directly from the noun 'die Moral' (morality/morale). The ending '-isch' is a typical ending used to form adjectives from nouns that describe belonging or a quality.
Sein Handeln entsprach nicht den moralischen Vorstellungen der Gesellschaft.
His actions did not correspond to society's moral ideas.
In the ethical sense, 'moralisch' (moral) is often combined with abstract nouns. Common collocations are 'moralische Bedenken' (moral concerns), 'eine moralische Pflicht' (a moral duty), 'ein moralisches Dilemma' (a moral dilemma), or 'moralisch vertretbar/verwerflich' (morally justifiable/reprehensible).
Der Politiker betonte seine moralische Verpflichtung, der Bevölkerung zu helfen.
The politician emphasized his moral obligation to help the population.
You can recognize the meaning 'mental state' from the context. It is often used in situations of competition, struggle, or support and refers to the psyche or fighting spirit, not to ethics.
Die Mannschaft war nach der Niederlage moralisch am Ende.
The team was completely demoralized after the defeat.
In the meaning 'relating to the mental state', typical expressions are 'moralische Unterstützung leisten' (to provide moral support), 'der moralische Sieger sein' (to be the moral victor), or 'jemandem moralisch überlegen sein' (to be morally superior to someone).
Deine Anwesenheit war eine große moralische Unterstützung für mich.
Your presence was great moral support for me.
legal
'Rechtlich' and 'moralisch' can both be used when judging whether behavior is right. But they refer to different standards. 'Rechtlich' refers to the laws and rules of the state: Is something allowed, forbidden, or required? 'Moralisch' refers to ideas of good and bad behavior: Is something fair, honest, or responsible? The words are easily confused because something can be legally allowed and morally problematic at the same time. So the important point is: law and conscience are not always the same thing.
Viele fanden es moralisch falsch, den Fehler des Kollegen auszunutzen.
Many people found it morally wrong to take advantage of the colleague's mistake.
Rechtlich darf der Vermieter die Wohnung nur mit einem wichtigen Grund kündigen.
Legally, the landlord may terminate the lease only for an important reason.