Cette page dans ta langue
English العربية Deutsch Español 日本語 한국어 Português हिन्दी فارسی 中文
B2 noun Neutre 2 min de lecture

samvittighed

/samˈvitihˌheð/
Entraîne-toi

Overview

The Danish word 'samvittighed' directly translates to 'conscience' in English. It's a compound word, formed from 'sam' (together/with) and 'vittighed' (knowledge/witnessing). This etymology hints at the core meaning: an inner knowing or witness that guides one's moral compass.

In Danish culture, 'samvittighed' plays a significant role in personal ethics and societal norms. It encompasses a deeply ingrained sense of right and wrong, influencing individual behavior and decisions. When someone acts with a 'god samvittighed' (good conscience), it means they believe their actions are morally sound and justifiable. Conversely, a 'dårlig samvittighed' (bad conscience) signifies feelings of guilt, remorse, or regret over past actions or omissions.

The concept of 'samvittighed' is not merely an intellectual understanding of morality; it often carries an emotional weight. It can manifest as an internal voice, a feeling of unease, or a strong conviction that compels one to act in a certain way. For example, if someone feels compelled to apologize for a mistake, they might say they are doing it because their 'samvittighed' demands it.

Furthermore, 'samvittighed' is often linked to responsibility and accountability. A person with a strong 'samvittighed' is generally perceived as trustworthy and honorable. It’s also a concept frequently explored in Danish literature, philosophy, and everyday conversations, underscoring its importance in understanding Danish perspectives on morality and personal integrity.

Exemples

1

Han havde dårlig samvittighed over at have løjet.

Describes a feeling of guilt or remorse.

He had a bad conscience about having lied.

2

Hendes samvittighed forbød hende at tie stille.

Refers to one's inner moral compass guiding actions.

Her conscience forbade her to remain silent.

3

Det er vigtigt at handle med god samvittighed.

Emphasizes the importance of moral integrity.

It is important to act with a clear conscience.

4

Han manglede enhver form for samvittighed.

Suggests a person is devoid of moral feelings.

He lacked any form of conscience.

5

Efter ulykken vågnede hans samvittighed op.

Describes a sudden realization of moral responsibility.

After the accident, his conscience awoke.

Collocations courantes

god samvittighed
dårlig samvittighed
ren samvittighed
naglede samvittighed

Souvent confondu avec

samvittighed vs samtidig
spelling, meaning 'at the same time'
samvittighed vs samvittighedsfuld
adjective form, meaning 'conscientious'

Modèles grammaticaux

god samvittighed (good conscience) dårlig samvittighed (bad conscience) at have samvittighed (to have a conscience)

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

'Samvittighed' is a noun in Danish, typically used in contexts related to moral judgment, ethics, and personal accountability. It can be used in various expressions to describe one's moral state or actions. For instance, 'at have god samvittighed' means 'to have a clear conscience,' implying that one feels no guilt about a particular action. Conversely, 'at have dårlig samvittighed' means 'to have a guilty conscience.' One might also 'handle efter sin samvittighed' (act according to one's conscience), indicating a decision made based on personal moral principles. The word can also be used in questions, such as 'Har du ingen samvittighed?' (Do you have no conscience?), expressing shock or disapproval at someone's actions. It's a fundamental word in Danish for discussing morality and ethical behavior, and its usage reflects a nuanced understanding of human inner life and social responsibility. The plural form is 'samvittigheder', though it's less commonly used than the singular.

Astuces

💡

Use it in a sentence

Her samvittighed forbød hende at tie stille. (Her conscience forbade her to remain silent.)
💡

Common pitfalls

It's a long word, so focus on pronunciation: 'sam-vit-tee-hed'. The 'g' is often silent.
💡

Pro tip

The word is a compound of 'sam' (together), 'vittig' (witty/knowing), and '-hed' (a noun-forming suffix). This helps understand its meaning as 'knowing together with oneself'.

Origine du mot

The Danish word 'samvittighed' derives from Middle Low German 'samwitticheit' or 'sanwitticheit', which is a calque (loan translation) of the Latin word 'conscientia'. 'Conscientia' itself comes from 'con-' (with, together) and 'scientia' (knowledge). Therefore, 'samvittighed' literally means 'with-knowledge' or 'joint-knowledge', reflecting the idea of an inner knowledge or awareness of right and wrong. Its first recorded use in Danish can be traced back to the 16th century, aligning with the period when many Latin and German terms were adopted into the Danish language, especially in theological and philosophical contexts. The concept it embodies, a moral compass or an inner voice guiding ethical behavior, has been a significant theme across cultures and languages for centuries, with 'samvittighed' serving as the specific linguistic representation in Danish for this universal human experience. Over time, its meaning has remained consistent, referring to the faculty that enables individuals to judge the morality of their own actions and thoughts.

Contexte culturel

In Danish culture, 'samvittighed' (conscience) is a deeply ingrained concept reflecting a strong emphasis on ethics, personal responsibility, and moral integrity. Danish society often values honesty, fairness, and a sense of duty, which are all closely tied to one's samvittighed. The idea of having a 'good samvittighed' (god samvittighed) implies living in accordance with one's moral compass and societal norms, leading to inner peace and self-respect. Conversely, a 'bad samvittighed' (dårlig samvittighed) indicates feelings of guilt, regret, or unease due to perceived moral transgressions. This concept plays a significant role in individual decision-making, social interactions, and even in public discourse, where ethical considerations often take center stage. The upbringing of children in Denmark frequently involves instilling a strong sense of samvittighed, encouraging them to reflect on the consequences of their actions and to act responsibly towards others.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions
The Danish word for 'a sense of right and wrong' is 'samvittighed'. This term encompasses the inner awareness or moral compass that guides an individual's judgments and actions, differentiating between what is considered ethically good and bad. It's a fundamental concept in personal ethics and societal norms, influencing how individuals interact with their environment and make decisions based on their internalized moral code.
'Samvittighed' is often used in contexts describing moral dilemmas, personal reflection, or the consequences of one's actions. For example, one might say, 'Han havde dårlig samvittighed efter at have løjet' (He had a bad conscience after lying), or 'Hendes samvittighed tvang hende til at fortælle sandheden' (Her conscience compelled her to tell the truth). It highlights the internal struggle or affirmation experienced when confronting moral choices.
Yes, several idioms and phrases incorporate 'samvittighed'. A common one is 'at have rent mel i posen og god samvittighed' (to have clean flour in the bag and a good conscience), meaning to be innocent and have nothing to hide. Another is 'at have noget på samvittigheden' (to have something on one's conscience), indicating guilt or regret over a past action. These phrases underscore the word's cultural significance in expressing moral states.
Beyond a simple 'sense of right and wrong,' 'samvittighed' carries connotations of personal responsibility, integrity, and the emotional weight of moral choices. It's not just a cognitive understanding but an emotional experience, often linked to feelings of guilt, shame, peace, or pride. The strength and clarity of one's 'samvittighed' can reflect their moral character and their commitment to ethical principles, making it a rich and multifaceted concept in Danish language and culture.

Teste-toi

fill blank

En stærk ____ fik ham til at tilstå sin fejl.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Efter at have løjet, plagede hans dårlige ____ ham.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
fill blank

Hun har en ren ____, da hun altid forsøger at handle ærligt.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

Contenu associé

C'tait utile ?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !