double standard
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double standard
The application of different moral standards to one's own behavior compared with the behavior of others, or to different groups and situations. This is perceived as inconsistent and hypocritical.
Es ist reine Doppelmoral, wenn er von anderen Pünktlichkeit verlangt, aber selbst ständig zu spät kommt.
It is pure double standard when he demands punctuality from others but is constantly late himself.
The word is made up of the adjective 'doppel' (double) and the noun 'die Moral' (morality). It literally describes a double morality, meaning the application of two different moral standards.
Seine Haltung ist ein klares Beispiel für Doppelmoral.
His attitude is a clear example of a double standard.
'Doppelmoral' (double standard) is always an accusation and has a strongly negative meaning. The word implies hypocrisy and injustice, because a person claims different rules for themselves than for others.
Der Politikerin wurde wegen ihrer widersprüchlichen Aussagen Doppelmoral vorgeworfen.
The politician was accused of double standards because of her contradictory statements.
Since it is an accusation, 'Doppelmoral' (double standard) is often used with verbs such as 'vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of), 'anprangern' (to denounce), or 'kritisieren' (to criticize). A very common phrase is also 'Das ist reine Doppelmoral!' (That is pure double standard!).
Die Aktivisten prangerten die Doppelmoral des Unternehmens an.
The activists denounced the company's double standard.
morality / morale
'die Moral' and 'die Doppelmoral' are closely related because both have to do with moral standards. 'die Moral' generally means values and rules for what is considered right or wrong. 'die Doppelmoral' is a specific, negative form of this: you judge yourself or your own group more leniently than others. Learners may confuse the words because both contain 'Moral'. But 'Doppelmoral' is always a criticism of unfair or contradictory standards. 'Moral' can be neutral or positive; 'Doppelmoral' almost never is.
Es ist Doppelmoral, wenn er Pünktlichkeit verlangt, aber selbst immer zu spät kommt.
It is a double standard when he demands punctuality but is always late himself.
Bei dieser Entscheidung spielt nicht nur Geld, sondern auch Moral eine Rolle.
In this decision, it is not only money that matters, but morality too.