Veritas, iustitia, libertas
“Truth, justice, freedom.”
Motto of the Free University of Berlin
What does “Veritas, iustitia, libertas” mean?
Veritas, iustitia, libertas translates as “Truth, justice, freedom.”
Three ideals for a free society: honest inquiry, fair laws and personal liberty. Each protects the others.
“Veritas, iustitia, libertas” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Veritas | truth | nominative singular (feminine) of veritas, “truth”; the subject or first item in the list |
| iustitia | justice | nominative singular (feminine) of iustitia, “justice”; also spelled justitia, with a consonantal j |
| libertas | freedom | nominative singular (feminine) of libertas, “freedom, liberty” |
How to pronounce “Veritas, iustitia, libertas”
The main differences are the v (w in Classical, v in Church) and the t in iustitia (a plain t in Classical, ts in Church). Stress falls on the first syllable of veritas, the third of iustitia and the second of libertas.
The story behind it
Word for word the line is simply three nouns in a row: “truth, justice, freedom”. There is no verb, which gives it the feel of a banner or a watchword rather than a sentence.
It is the motto of the Free University of Berlin, founded in 1948 in the western sectors of the divided city. The university took its name and its motto from the idea of teaching and research free from political control.
Because the three words name ideals rather than a single event or author, the line is not tied to an ancient source. It is modern Latin, put together from classical vocabulary, and it works well wherever institutions want to state their values.
How to use “Veritas, iustitia, libertas”
Suits a university or civic motto, a human rights event poster, an award for journalism or law, or a tattoo for someone who values honest speech and liberty. Each word is short enough to stand alone on a banner or seal.
- Latin
- Veritas, iustitia, libertas
- English
- Truth, justice, freedom.
- Source
- Motto of the Free University of Berlin
- Era
- Modern Latin
- Theme
- Freedom
Common mistakes
- It is not an ancient Roman saying. It is a modern motto built from classical words, so avoid crediting it to Cicero or any Roman author.
- The Latin has no verb, so do not add “est” or “sunt”. The list of three nouns is the whole phrase.
- Iustitia is often spelled justitia with a j. Both are correct, but the i form is standard in Classical Latin.
- Do not confuse it with the Harvard motto “Veritas” alone, or with other university mottos that use similar words.
Questions about “Veritas, iustitia, libertas”
What does “Veritas, iustitia, libertas” mean?
It means “Truth, justice, freedom”. Each word is a feminine noun in the nominative case, listed as a set of ideals.
Where does “Veritas, iustitia, libertas” come from?
It is the motto of the Free University of Berlin, founded in 1948 in the western sectors of the divided city. It is modern Latin, not a quotation from a Roman author.
How do you pronounce “Veritas, iustitia, libertas”?
In Classical Latin: WEH-ri-tahs yoos-TIH-tee-ah lee-BEHR-tahs. In Church Latin: VEH-ri-tahs yoos-TEE-tsee-ah lee-BEHR-tahs.
Is “Veritas, iustitia, libertas” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes. It is three correctly formed nouns in the nominative, and the spelling is standard. You may see iustitia written as justitia, which is also acceptable.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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