Meaning
To feel morally right and without guilt about one's actions.
Cultural Background
In German corporate culture, 'mit gutem Gewissen' is often used to signal that a decision has been made according to all compliance rules. Austrians use the phrase similarly to Germans, but often in a slightly more relaxed, conversational tone. In Swiss German, the phrase is often used in formal contexts regarding banking or financial integrity. The concept of a 'clear conscience' is a cornerstone of Western ethics, rooted in the idea of individual moral accountability.
Use 'mit'
Always use 'mit' when describing how you do something with a clear conscience.
Don't over-use
Using it too often can make you sound defensive or like you are trying too hard to justify yourself.
Meaning
To feel morally right and without guilt about one's actions.
Use 'mit'
Always use 'mit' when describing how you do something with a clear conscience.
Don't over-use
Using it too often can make you sound defensive or like you are trying too hard to justify yourself.
Combine with 'können'
Saying 'Ich kann das mit gutem Gewissen tun' sounds much more natural than just 'Ich tue das mit gutem Gewissen'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Ich kann diese Entscheidung mit __________ vertreten.
In the context of defending a decision, 'gutem Gewissen' is the correct collocation.
Which sentence is more natural?
A: Ich habe ein gutes Gewissen. B: Ich habe ein gutes Gefühl.
Both are correct, but 'ein gutes Gewissen' is the focus of this lesson.
Match the German phrase with its English meaning.
1. Ein gutes Gewissen, 2. Ein schlechtes Gewissen, 3. Ein reines Gewissen
These are the standard translations for these moral states.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Soll ich das Geld behalten?' B: 'Nur wenn du es mit __________ tun kannst.'
You can only keep money if you feel morally right about it.
🎉 Score: /4
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch kann diese Entscheidung mit __________ vertreten.
In the context of defending a decision, 'gutem Gewissen' is the correct collocation.
A: Ich habe ein gutes Gewissen. B: Ich habe ein gutes Gefühl.
Both are correct, but 'ein gutes Gewissen' is the focus of this lesson.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these moral states.
A: 'Soll ich das Geld behalten?' B: 'Nur wenn du es mit __________ tun kannst.'
You can only keep money if you feel morally right about it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it can be used for small things like buying a treat or finishing a task.
No, that would be a lie. It is only for when you feel you acted correctly.
'Reines' is more absolute, like 'spotless'. 'Gutes' is more general.
It is neutral and works in both settings.
Related Phrases
ein schlechtes Gewissen haben
contrastto have a guilty conscience
sein Gewissen erleichtern
builds onto ease one's conscience
ein reines Gewissen
similara pure conscience
Gewissensbisse haben
contrastto have pangs of conscience
