principle
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principle
A fundamental rule, law, or belief that determines action or a system. It is a basis on which something is built or according to which one acts.
Gleichberechtigung ist ein wichtiges Prinzip unserer Gesellschaft.
Equal rights are an important principle of our society.
principle / mechanism
The basic way something works or the mechanism according to which something operates or is built.
Können Sie mir das Prinzip eines Elektromotors erklären?
Can you explain the principle of an electric motor to me?
in principle
Expresses that something is essentially or generally true, even if there may be deviations in the details. Synonymous with 'eigentlich' (actually / basically).
Im Prinzip stimme ich dir zu, aber wir müssen die Kosten bedenken.
In principle, I agree with you, but we have to consider the costs.
on principle
To do an action out of a firm conviction or principle, often without regard to the practical benefit in the individual case.
Er isst aus Prinzip kein Fleisch.
He doesn't eat meat on principle.
The main meanings can be distinguished well by context. If 'Prinzip' (principle) refers to moral or social rules, it means the basic rule. If it is about how a machine or system works, it means the mechanism.
Freiheit ist ein grundlegendes Prinzip der Demokratie.
Freedom is a fundamental principle of democracy.
When 'Prinzip' means a basic rule, it is often used with verbs such as 'einem Prinzip folgen' (to follow a principle), 'gegen ein Prinzip verstoßen' (to violate a principle), or 'seinen Prinzipien treu bleiben' (to remain true to one's principles).
Auch in schwierigen Situationen blieb er seinen Prinzipien treu.
Even in difficult situations, he remained true to his principles.
To describe how something works, the structures 'das Prinzip von + dative' (the principle of + dative) or 'das Prinzip + genitive' (the principle of + genitive) are often used.
Das Prinzip von Ursache und Wirkung ist fundamental.
The principle of cause and effect is fundamental.
The expression 'im Prinzip' (in principle) means 'grundsätzlich' (basically / fundamentally) or 'eigentlich' (actually). It often introduces a sentence that is followed by an objection or limitation with 'aber' (but).
Im Prinzip funktioniert der Plan, aber er ist zu teuer.
In principle, the plan works, but it is too expensive.
The expression 'aus Prinzip' (on principle) explains the motivation for an action. It means that someone acts out of a firm conviction, regardless of the specific situation.
Sie benutzt aus Prinzip keine Plastiktüten mehr.
She no longer uses plastic bags on principle.
value
A value and a principle can both express important ethical guidance. A value refers more to a desirable ideal, whereas a principle refers to a fundamental rule for action. For what people consider important, Wert is appropriate; for a rule governing action, Prinzip is more appropriate.
Nach dem Prinzip der Fairness lässt die Trainerin alle Kinder gleich lange spielen.
Following the principle of fairness, the coach lets all the children play for the same amount of time.
Respekt ist für unsere Familie ein wichtiger Wert.
Respect is an important value in our family.
