to discriminate
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to discriminate
To disadvantage or treat someone or a group of people unfairly because of characteristics such as origin, skin color, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Es ist gesetzlich verboten, Bewerber wegen ihres Alters zu diskriminieren.
It is illegal to discriminate against applicants because of their age.
to discriminate
In a technical or outdated context, it means to distinguish things from one another or clearly differentiate between them.
Das Messgerät kann sehr präzise zwischen den verschiedenen Isotopen diskriminieren.
The measuring device can discriminate very precisely between the different isotopes.
Verbs that end in '-ieren' often come from Latin or French. They are conjugated regularly and form the past participle without 'ge-', so 'hat diskriminiert' (has discriminated).
Er hat sich im Beruf noch nie diskriminiert gefühlt.
He has never felt discriminated against at work.
The corresponding noun is 'die Diskriminierung' (discrimination). The adjective that describes something or someone that disadvantages others is 'diskriminierend' (discriminatory).
Diskriminierung am Arbeitsplatz ist ein ernstes Problem.
Discrimination in the workplace is a serious problem.
When someone is discriminated against, the reason is usually given with 'wegen' (because of; + genitive or dative) or 'aufgrund von' (on the basis of; + dative).
Niemand darf wegen seiner Herkunft diskriminiert werden.
No one may be discriminated against because of their origin.
The meaning 'unterscheiden' (to distinguish) is very rare and is used almost only in scientific or technical specialist texts. In normal usage, 'diskriminieren' (to discriminate) always means 'to disadvantage unfairly.'
Der Sensor kann präzise zwischen Wärme und Licht diskriminieren.
The sensor can discriminate precisely between heat and light.
to follow / pursue
Both words can describe the unjust treatment of a religious group. „Diskriminieren“ emphasizes disadvantage or unequal treatment, while „verfolgen“ usually expresses deliberate, systematic oppression or threat. Use „diskriminieren“ for unfair treatment and „verfolgen“ for a broader campaign against the group.
Der Arbeitgeber darf Bewerber wegen ihrer Religion nicht diskriminieren.
The employer may not discriminate against applicants because of their religion.
Die Diktatur verfolgte die religiöse Minderheit jahrelang mit Verboten und Drohungen.
The dictatorship persecuted the religious minority for years through bans and threats.
