die Devise
Translation
motto, slogan, foreign currency, foreign exchange
Examples
Seine Devise lautet: Niemals aufgeben.
His motto is: Never give up.
Das Land braucht dringend Devisen.
The country urgently needs foreign currency.
Grammar Patterns
the motto is ... die Devise lautet ... His motto is: Always be honest.
foreign currency (pl.) Devisen The country imports goods and needs foreign currency for that.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Motto, Leitspruch (motto); Währung (currency)
Etymology
From French 'devise', from Latin 'dividere' (to divide, distinguish). A motto distinguishes a person; foreign currency is a different 'division' of money.
Memory Tips
It sounds like 'device'. Think of a device that reminds you of your motto. For the financial meaning, note that French 'devises' means foreign currency.