scruple
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scruple
A moral doubt or concern that makes someone hesitate to do something wrong or questionable. It is almost always used in the plural.
Er hatte keine Skrupel, seine Kollegen zu belügen, um die Beförderung zu bekommen.
He had no scruples about lying to his colleagues in order to get the promotion.
This word is used almost exclusively in the plural, 'die Skrupel' (scruples). The singular form 'der Skrupel' does exist, but it is extremely rare in modern usage.
Sie hatte große Skrupel, das Geheimnis ihrer Freundin zu verraten.
She had serious scruples about betraying her friend's secret.
'Skrupel' (scruples) is usually used with the verb 'haben' (to have). The negative formulation 'keine Skrupel haben' (to have no scruples) is especially common for expressing that someone has no moral restraint.
Der Dieb hatte offensichtlich keine Skrupel, der alten Dame die Handtasche zu stehlen.
The thief obviously had no scruples about stealing the old lady's handbag.
The phrase '(keine) Skrupel haben' ((not) to have scruples) is often followed by an infinitive construction with 'zu' (to). It describes the action in which the moral concerns play a role.
Er hatte Skrupel, das Jobangebot anzunehmen, weil er dafür umziehen müsste.
He had scruples about accepting the job offer because he would have to move for it.
doubt
'der Zweifel' and 'der Skrupel' both describe a kind of uncertainty. 'Zweifel' can refer to many things: you are unsure whether something is true, will work, or is right. 'Skrupel', by contrast, means moral concerns. You hesitate because something might be unfair, wrong, or improper. The word is almost always used in the plural: 'Skrupel haben' (to have scruples). Learners may confuse the words because both express inner hesitation. When it is about truth or certainty, 'Zweifel' fits. When it is about conscience and proper behavior, 'Skrupel' fits.
Mein Freund hat Skrupel, die alte Nachbarin um Geld zu bitten.
My friend has scruples about asking the elderly neighbor for money.
Die Mitarbeiterin hat Zweifel, ob die neue Software rechtzeitig fertig wird.
The employee has doubts about whether the new software will be finished on time.