custom / morals
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custom
A traditional behavior or habit that is usual in a particular community or culture. Often used in the plural phrase 'Sitten und Gebräuche' (customs and traditions).
In diesem Land ist es Sitte, dem Gastgeber ein kleines Geschenk mitzubringen.
In this country, it is customary to bring the host a small gift.
morals / manners
In the plural, refers to the entirety of moral norms and standards of decency in a society. It can refer to good behavior or the lack of it.
Er verstieß mit seinem lauten Verhalten gegen die guten Sitten im Theater.
With his loud behavior, he violated the standards of good manners in the theater.
In the singular, 'die Sitte' (the custom) refers to a single tradition. In the plural, 'die Sitten' (customs/morals) can mean either several traditions (meaning 1) or the moral rules of a society (meaning 2).
Es ist eine alte Sitte, zu Neujahr Linsen zu essen.
It is an old custom to eat lentils at New Year.
The word 'Sitte' (custom) is very often used in the fixed expression 'Sitten und Gebräuche' (customs and traditions) to describe the totality of a culture’s traditions.
Im Urlaub lernen wir gerne die Sitten und Gebräuche des Landes kennen.
On vacation, we like to get to know the customs and traditions of the country.
When referring to morality and decency, 'Sitten' (morals/manners) often appears with adjectives like 'gut' (good) or 'schlecht' (bad). The phrase 'gegen die guten Sitten verstoßen' (to violate good morals / standards of decency) is also very common.
Sein unhöfliches Benehmen verstößt gegen die guten Sitten.
His rude behavior violates the standards of good manners.
tradition
Both words can refer to a way of behaving that has existed over a longer period. „Die Sitte“ mainly means the specific custom or rule of behavior of a community, while „die Tradition“ also emphasizes that it is passed down through generations. Use „Sitte“ for customary behavior and „Tradition“ for its continuation over time.
In dieser Gemeinschaft ist es eine Sitte, Gäste zuerst zu begrüßen.
In this community, it is customary to greet guests first.
Das jährliche Fest mit dem Laternenumzug ist eine wichtige Tradition der Stadt.
The annual festival with the lantern procession is an important tradition in the city.
