einseitig
one-sided
Coming from only one side or party; not based on mutuality.
EXAMPLE
Es war eine einseitige Entscheidung, die ohne Absprache getroffen wurde.
It was a one-sided decision that was made without consultation.
einseitig
one-sided
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Meanings
einseitig
biased
Unbalanced, biased, and considering only one perspective.
EXAMPLE
Der Bericht über den Konflikt war sehr einseitig und beleuchtete nur die Sichtweise einer Partei.
The report on the conflict was very biased and only shed light on one party's point of view.
einseitig
unbalanced
Not varied, limited to only a few things, especially in relation to diet or physical strain.
EXAMPLE
Eine zu einseitige Ernährung kann zu Mangelerscheinungen führen.
A diet that is too unbalanced can lead to deficiency symptoms.
einseitig
one-sided
Physically present or carried out on only one side.
EXAMPLE
Das Dokument soll bitte nur einseitig bedruckt werden.
Please print the document on one side only.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is clearly composed of 'ein' (one) and 'seitig' (sided, derived from 'die Seite' — the side/page). The literal meaning 'having one side' is the basis for all figurative meanings, such as 'unbalanced' or 'not mutual'.
EXAMPLE
Seine Darstellung der Ereignisse war sehr einseitig.
His account of the events was very biased.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'einseitig' (one-sided) is determined by the noun. With 'Liebe' (love) or 'Entscheidung' (decision), it means 'not mutual'. With 'Bericht' (report), it means 'biased'. With 'Ernährung' (diet) or 'Belastung' (strain), it means 'not varied'.
EXAMPLE
Eine einseitige Belastung beim Sport kann zu Verletzungen führen.
One-sided strain during sports can lead to injuries.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'not based on mutuality', 'einseitig' (one-sided) is often used in social or legal contexts. Typical combinations are 'einseitige Entscheidung' (one-sided decision), 'einseitige Liebe' (one-sided love), or 'einseitige Kündigung' (unilateral termination).
EXAMPLE
Der Vertrag wurde vom Unternehmen einseitig geändert.
The contract was changed unilaterally by the company.
Use as an adverb
In the physical meaning, 'einseitig' (one-sided/on one side) is often used as an adverb with verbs like 'drucken' (to print), 'beschreiben' (to write on), or 'bemalen' (to paint). It then indicates that only one physical side should be worked on.
EXAMPLE
Bitte drucken Sie das Formular nur einseitig aus.
Please print the form on one side only.
Compare with
einseitig vs subjektiv
subjective
Einseitig and subjektiv can both describe a presentation from a personal perspective. Einseitig criticizes the fact that other important aspects are missing, making the presentation unbalanced. Subjektiv simply means that it is based on personal feelings; it therefore does not have to be unfair.
einseitig
Sein Bericht ist einseitig, weil er nur die Vorteile des Projekts nennt.
His report is one-sided because it mentions only the project's advantages.
subjektiv
Sein Bericht ist subjektiv, weil er seine persönlichen Eindrücke vom Projekt schildert.
His report is subjective because it describes his personal impressions of the project.
In real life
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