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.
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 both mean that there is no clear system or recognizable plan behind something. But 'zufällig' sounds neutral: something simply happens without being planned. 'willkürlich' is more likely to mean that someone decides without a comprehensible reason, often on a whim. This can sound negative, especially when rules or other people are affected. Learners confuse the words because both can seem unordered or unplanned. If chance is really what decides, 'zufällig' fits. If a person decides without reason or unfairly, 'willkürlich' is a better fit.
Der Chef hat die Aufgaben willkürlich verteilt, ohne auf die Erfahrung im Team zu achten.
The boss assigned the tasks arbitrarily, without considering the team's experience.
Heute sehe ich zufällig einen Bericht über meine Heimatstadt im Fernsehen.
Today I happen to see a report about my hometown on TV.