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.
morale-related
Relating to one's mental state or inner attitude, as opposed to the physical. Often used in the context of support or superiority.
Nach dem überraschenden Tor war die gegnerische Mannschaft moralisch am Boden.
After the surprising goal, the opposing team was completely demoralized.
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.
ethical
Moralisch and ethisch can both express an evaluation based on ideas of right and wrong. Moralisch often refers directly to concrete behavior or a personal attitude, while ethisch tends to sound more principle-based and systematic. This distinction is a tendency, not a fixed rule.
In einem Gespräch nennt Mia die heimliche Überwachung der Mitarbeiter moralisch falsch.
In a conversation, Mia calls the covert monitoring of the employees morally wrong.
In einem Fachbericht wird die heimliche Überwachung der Mitarbeiter nach ethischen Grundsätzen bewertet.
In a specialist report, the covert monitoring of the employees is evaluated according to ethical principles.
