slogan / password
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slogan
A short, memorable sentence or slogan that summarizes the goals or demands of a group, such as a party or movement.
Die Demonstranten riefen die Parole „Freiheit für alle!“.
The demonstrators shouted the slogan 'Freedom for all!'
Careful: 'die Parole' is not the same as the English word 'parole' (early release from prison). In German, 'die Parole' means 'slogan' or 'password'.
Die Parole der Bewegung war auf vielen Plakaten zu lesen.
The movement's slogan could be seen on many posters.
In the meaning 'slogan', 'Parole' is often used with verbs such as 'ausgeben' (to issue), 'rufen' (to shout), or 'skandieren' (to chant). The context is usually political or social.
Die Fans skandierten die Parole ihres Vereins.
The fans chanted their club's slogan.
The meaning 'password' is less common and is found almost only in military, intelligence, or historical contexts. Signal words such as 'Soldat' (soldier), 'Wache' (guard), or 'geheim' (secret) point to this meaning.
Der Spion flüsterte die geheime Parole, um eingelassen zu werden.
The spy whispered the secret password in order to be let in.
motto
'das Motto' and 'die Parole' can both be short, memorable sentences. 'Motto' usually sounds neutral and describes a guiding idea, for example for an event, a project, or one's own actions. 'Parole' fits more with groups, parties, or movements and often sounds more combative because it expresses a demand or a goal. In addition, 'Parole' can also be a secret password. Learners may confuse the words because both are short and easy to remember. As a simple guide: A festival often has a motto; a demonstration is more likely to shout slogans.
Bei der Demonstration riefen die Menschen laute Parolen gegen die hohen Mieten.
At the demonstration, people shouted loud slogans against the high rents.
Unser Motto für das Schulfest lautet: Gemeinsam schaffen wir mehr.
Our motto for the school festival is: Together we can achieve more.