arbitrariness
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arbitrariness
Action based only on personal discretion and not guided by rules, laws, or objective criteria. It often has a negative meaning of injustice or tyranny.
Die Bevölkerung leidet unter der Willkür des Diktators.
The population suffers under the dictator's arbitrariness.
'Willkür' (arbitrariness) is historically composed of 'Wille' (will) and 'Kür' (choice). So it literally means 'free choice of the will.' This origin explains its current meaning: an action that follows only one's own will without adhering to rules.
Seine Entscheidungen wirkten wie reine Willkür.
His decisions seemed like pure arbitrariness.
The adjective 'willkürlich' (arbitrary) is very common and helps you understand the noun 'die Willkür' (arbitrariness). If an action is 'willkürlich' (arbitrary), then it is an act of 'Willkür' (arbitrariness).
Die Auswahl der Teilnehmer erfolgte völlig willkürlich.
The selection of participants was completely arbitrary.
The word 'Willkür' (arbitrariness) almost always has a strongly negative connotation. It describes not just a free decision, but an unjust, unfair, or oppressive action that ignores rules and laws.
Die Bürger protestierten gegen die Willkür der Behörden.
The citizens protested against the arbitrariness of the authorities.
'Willkür' (arbitrariness) is often used in fixed expressions that express helplessness or resistance. Typical phrases are 'der Willkür ausgesetzt sein' (to be exposed to arbitrariness), 'sich vor Willkür schützen' (to protect oneself from arbitrariness), or 'gegen Willkür kämpfen' (to fight against arbitrariness).
Niemand sollte der Willkür eines Vorgesetzten ausgesetzt sein.
No one should be exposed to the arbitrariness of a supervisor.
justice
'Gerechtigkeit' and 'Willkür' are strong opposites, especially when it comes to decisions. 'Gerechtigkeit' means acting according to fair rules and without personal prejudice. 'Willkür' means that someone simply decides according to their own mood or power, without clear rules or objective reasons. You may hear the words in the same context, for example with authorities, at work, or at school, but they judge the situation very differently. 'Gerechtigkeit' is the fair goal; 'Willkür' is unfair action without reliable rules.
Im Büro kritisiert das Team die Willkür bei der Vergabe der freien Tage.
In the office, the team criticizes the arbitrariness in assigning days off.
Die Mitarbeiter fordern Gerechtigkeit, weil die Regeln für alle gleich gelten sollen.
The employees are demanding justice because the rules should apply equally to everyone.