self-consciousness / bias
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self-consciousness
The state of feeling insecure, inhibited, or embarrassed.
Er konnte seine Befangenheit schnell ablegen und sprach frei vor der Gruppe.
He was quickly able to overcome his self-consciousness and spoke freely in front of the group.
'Befangenheit' (self-consciousness / bias) is a noun derived from the adjective 'befangen' (inhibited / biased). The ending '-heit' forms abstract nouns from adjectives and is always feminine, hence 'die Befangenheit' (the self-consciousness / bias).
Seine Befangenheit war ihm deutlich anzusehen.
His self-consciousness was clearly visible.
As with the adjective 'befangen' (inhibited / biased), context distinguishes the meaning. If it is about feelings and social behavior, 'Befangenheit' means shyness or self-consciousness. In legal or formal contexts, it refers to a lack of neutrality.
Trotz seiner anfänglichen Befangenheit hielt er eine tolle Rede.
Despite his initial self-consciousness, he gave a great speech.
When it is about shyness, 'Befangenheit' (self-consciousness) is often combined with verbs that describe overcoming something. Typical phrases are 'seine Befangenheit ablegen' (to overcome one's self-consciousness), 'verlieren' (to lose it), or 'überwinden' (to overcome it).
Nach ein paar Minuten konnte sie ihre Befangenheit ablegen und sprach ganz offen.
After a few minutes, she was able to overcome her self-consciousness and spoke very openly.
In a legal context, the phrase 'Antrag wegen Befangenheit stellen' (to file a motion on grounds of bias) is a fixed expression. It is used to formally request that a person be excluded from proceedings because of a lack of impartiality.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft stellte einen Antrag wegen Befangenheit des Schöffen.
The public prosecutor's office filed a motion alleging bias on the part of the lay judge.
independence
'Unabhängigkeit' and 'Befangenheit' are clear opposites here. 'Unabhängigkeit' means that a person or institution can decide neutrally and is not guided by their own interests or outside influences. 'Befangenheit', by contrast, means that this neutrality is missing, for example because someone is personally involved or already has a fixed opinion. The difference is especially important in court, exams, or official decisions. An independent person can judge fairly; a biased person often should not do so.
Wegen möglicher Befangenheit nahm der Prüfer nicht an der Entscheidung teil.
Because of possible bias, the examiner did not take part in the decision.
Die Unabhängigkeit der Richter ist für ein faires Verfahren sehr wichtig.
The independence of judges is very important for a fair trial.