Dictionary
Befangenheit
German → American English
American English
Bias
Zustand oder Eigenschaft, nicht unvoreingenommen oder nicht unparteiisch zu sein; mangelnde Neutralität.
Die Befangenheit des Richters wurde angezweifelt.Use Befangenheit mainly in formal or legal contexts, especially when talking about a judge, expert, or official who may not be impartial. In everyday German, people often say voreingenommen instead.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Befangenheit" mean in English?
"Befangenheit" means bias, partiality, or lack of impartiality, especially in formal or legal contexts.
Is "Befangenheit" the same as "Voreingenommenheit"?
They are very close. "Voreingenommenheit" is the more common everyday word, while "Befangenheit" is often more formal and used in legal or official situations.
How do you use "Befangenheit" in a sentence?
For example: "Es gab Zweifel an der Befangenheit des Gutachters." = "There were doubts about the expert’s impartiality."
Does "Befangenheit" always mean prejudice?
Not exactly. It can mean prejudice, but it often refers more specifically to a lack of impartiality in a situation where fairness is important.