arbitrary
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arbitrary
Based on a random, personal decision or whim, without following an understandable system, rule, or reason.
Die Reihenfolge der Befragten wurde völlig willkürlich festgelegt.
The order of the respondents was determined completely arbitrarily.
arbitrary
With a negative meaning: acting autocratically and without regard for laws, rules, or the rights of others; despotic.
Die willkürlichen Verhaftungen durch das Regime lösten internationale Proteste aus.
The arbitrary arrests by the regime triggered international protests.
The word is derived from 'Wille' (will) and 'Kür' (an old form meaning 'choice' or 'decision'). A 'willkürliche' (arbitrary) action is therefore one that is based only on one's own will and does not follow external rules.
Die Auswahl der Gewinner schien rein willkürlich zu sein.
The selection of the winners seemed to be purely arbitrary.
'Willkürlich' (arbitrary / arbitrarily) can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly with the verb.
Der Künstler hat die Farben für sein Bild willkürlich gewählt.
The artist chose the colors for his painting arbitrarily.
In its neutral meaning ('zufällig' — random), 'willkürlich' is often combined with nouns such as 'Auswahl' (selection), 'Reihenfolge' (order), 'Beispiel' (example), or 'Anordnung' (arrangement).
Die Testfragen wurden in willkürlicher Reihenfolge präsentiert.
The test questions were presented in an arbitrary order.
The negative meaning ('despotisch' — despotic) can be recognized from the context. When the topic is power, rule, government, police, or violence, 'willkürlich' is almost always meant negatively and describes abuse of power.
Die Bevölkerung litt unter der willkürlichen Gewalt des Regimes.
The population suffered under the arbitrary violence of the regime.
random / by chance
Zufällig and willkürlich can describe a selection without any recognizable pattern. Zufällig points to a random process; willkürlich can also refer to a deliberate personal decision without an understandable reason. Use zufällig for a lottery or drawing, and willkürlich for an unjustified decision.
Der Chef wählte willkürlich einen Namen von der Liste aus.
The boss arbitrarily picked a name from the list.
Die Gewinnerin wurde zufällig aus allen Namen gezogen.
The winner was chosen at random from all the names.
