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.
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.
actually / really
'eigentlich' and 'im Prinzip' can both express that something is basically or essentially true. 'eigentlich' often sounds a bit more everyday and can show a contrast with the first impression: something seems different, but it is actually like this. 'im Prinzip' puts more emphasis on the general rule or the basic idea. It often leaves open the possibility that there are still exceptions or problems in the details. Learners may confuse the expressions because both sometimes mean 'basically, yes'. As a practical guide: 'eigentlich' fits well when there is a contrast with expectation, while 'im Prinzip' fits well when you are talking about a rule, a plan, or a general possibility.
Vor dem Termin passt der Plan im Prinzip, nur die genaue Uhrzeit fehlt noch.
In principle, the plan works before the appointment; only the exact time is still missing.
Sie wollte vor der Reise eigentlich früh schlafen, aber dann musste sie noch packen.
She actually wanted to go to bed early before the trip, but then she still had to pack.