nepotism
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nepotism
The unfair preferential treatment of relatives or friends when awarding jobs or contracts, especially in public service or politics. This term has a strongly negative meaning.
Dem Minister wurde Vetternwirtschaft vorgeworfen, weil er seinem Schwager einen wichtigen Posten verschafft hatte.
The minister was accused of nepotism because he had secured an important position for his brother-in-law.
The word is made up of 'Vetter' (an old term for cousin) and 'Wirtschaft' (economy / way of doing business). So it literally describes a 'way of doing business among cousins,' in which people give each other advantages.
Die Besetzung des Postens war ein klarer Fall von Vetternwirtschaft.
The filling of the position was a clear case of nepotism.
'Vetternwirtschaft' (nepotism) is always an accusation and has a strongly negative connotation. The term is used to criticize unfair and corrupt practices.
Die Opposition warf der Regierung Vetternwirtschaft vor.
The opposition accused the government of nepotism.
Common verbs used with 'Vetternwirtschaft' (nepotism) are 'jemandem etwas vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of something), 'etwas betreiben' (to engage in something), or 'etwas bekämpfen' (to fight something).
Der neue Chef will die Vetternwirtschaft im Unternehmen bekämpfen.
The new boss wants to fight nepotism in the company.
corruption
'die Korruption' and 'die Vetternwirtschaft' both describe unfair advantages gained through power or relationships. 'Korruption' (corruption) is the more general term and can include many dishonest actions, such as bribery or accepting advantages. 'Vetternwirtschaft' (nepotism) is more specific: relatives, friends, or acquaintances get jobs or contracts even though others might be better qualified. The words can be confused because both are unfair and are often meant in political or professional contexts. When money, gifts, or abuse of power in general are the focus, you are more likely to say 'Korruption'. When personal relationships are the reason for preferential treatment, 'Vetternwirtschaft' is more precise.
Im Rathaus gab es Kritik an Vetternwirtschaft, weil der Bruder des Chefs den Auftrag bekam.
There was criticism of nepotism at city hall because the boss's brother got the contract.
Viele Bürger verlieren das Vertrauen, wenn sie von Korruption in der Politik hören.
Many citizens lose trust when they hear about corruption in politics.