prejudice
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prejudice
A preconceived, usually negative opinion about a person or group that is not based on personal experience or factual information.
Es ist wichtig, Menschen ohne Vorurteile zu begegnen.
It is important to meet people without prejudice.
The word is made up of the prefix 'vor-' (before) and 'das Urteil' (judgment). A 'Vorurteil' (prejudice) is therefore literally a judgment one forms before knowing the facts or the person.
Sein Vorurteil entstand, bevor er die Person überhaupt kennengelernt hatte.
His prejudice arose before he had even met the person.
When someone has a prejudice against a person or group, the preposition 'gegen' is used, followed by the accusative.
Leider gibt es immer noch viele Vorurteile gegen Fremde.
Unfortunately, there are still many prejudices against strangers.
'Vorurteil' (prejudice) is often combined with verbs such as 'haben' (to have), 'abbauen' (to reduce/break down), or 'bekämpfen' (to fight). You can also say 'voller Vorurteile sein' (to be full of prejudices).
Die Organisation kämpft aktiv gegen Vorurteile in der Gesellschaft.
The organization actively fights against prejudice in society.
judgment / verdict
'das Urteil' and 'das Vorurteil' both have to do with an opinion about people or situations. An 'Urteil' can be a normal personal assessment that you form based on experience or information. A 'Vorurteil' is formed beforehand or without enough knowledge and is usually negative. The words are easy to confuse because they look similar and both express an opinion. The important part is the beginning 'Vor-': a 'Vorurteil' comes too early and is often unfair. An 'Urteil' can be well-founded; a 'Vorurteil' usually is not.
Nach dem Gespräch habe ich mein Vorurteil über die neue Kollegin bemerkt.
After the conversation, I noticed my prejudice about the new colleague.
Nach dem Termin fällt der Gast sein Urteil über die Werkstatt.
After the appointment, the customer gives his judgment of the repair shop.