in principle
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in principle
Basically, in general. It describes a general rule or attitude that may, however, have exceptions.
Prinzipiell bin ich mit dem Plan einverstanden, aber wir müssen noch über die Kosten sprechen.
In principle, I agree with the plan, but we still need to talk about the costs.
The adverb 'prinzipiell' (in principle/on principle) is derived from the noun 'das Prinzip' (the principle). It therefore describes an action or attitude that is based on a particular principle.
Aus prinzipiellen Gründen isst sie kein Fleisch.
On principle, she does not eat meat.
When 'prinzipiell' comes at the beginning of a sentence, the verb follows directly in position 2. This word order is used to emphasize the fundamental nature of a statement.
Prinzipiell sind alle mit dem Vorschlag einverstanden.
In principle, everyone agrees with the proposal.
In the meaning of 'grundsätzlich' (basically/in principle), 'prinzipiell' is very often followed by a limitation with 'aber' (but) or 'jedoch' (however). This signals that the general rule has an exception.
Prinzipiell fahre ich gerne mit dem Zug, aber heute nehme ich das Auto.
In principle, I like taking the train, but today I'm taking the car.
When a decision is made from a firm conviction, the fixed phrase 'aus prinzipiellen Gründen' (on principle / for reasons of principle) is often used.
Er lehnte das Angebot aus prinzipiellen Gründen ab.
He declined the offer on principle.
at all / generally
'überhaupt' and 'prinzipiell' can both introduce a general statement. 'überhaupt' then means 'in general' or 'basically' and fits when you are considering a topic in general. 'prinzipiell' also means 'basically' or 'in principle', but it often emphasizes a rule, an attitude, or a principle. It can also mean that something applies in principle, but exceptions are possible. Learners may confuse the words because both sound general. In practice: 'überhaupt' is more about asking or speaking about a topic as a whole, while 'prinzipiell' is more about a rule or attitude.
Bei der Arbeit ist private Internetnutzung prinzipiell erlaubt, aber nicht während eines Kundengesprächs.
At work, private internet use is allowed in principle, but not during a conversation with a customer.
Nach dem Unterricht fragt der Lehrer, ob Hausaufgaben überhaupt sinnvoll sind.
After class, the teacher asks whether homework makes sense at all.