The statement that human dignity is inviolable is one of the most popular yet also one of the most controversial assertions of the Basic Law. A fact-oriented discussion is often hindered by more or less unsubstantiated semantic and historical assumptions. From this observation, on one hand, considerations are made on how different meanings of the term "human dignity" can be distinguished and assigned to ethical questions or positions. On the other hand, the introduction of the term into constitutional law is traced. The main focus is on Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the Basic Law, whose content is reconstructed in relation to previous case law.