German word

Gerechtigkeit

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈʁɛçtɪçkaɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounjustice

Example

Er kämpft für die Gerechtigkeit.

He fights for justice.

Illustration for Gerechtigkeit (justice)

More examples

Er handelt im Namen der Gerechtigkeit.

He acts in the name of justice.

Core concept

An even-handed rule prevents power, wealth, or personal preference from deciding who receives fair treatment.

Common phrases

  • die Gerechtigkeit herstellen

    establish justice

  • eine Frage der Gerechtigkeit

    a question of justice

  • im Namen der Gerechtigkeit

    in the name of justice

Similar words

Fairness: Balanced and unbiased treatment between individuals.
Gleichheit: Equal treatment or equal access for all members of a group.
Recht: A legally recognized right or claim, or the basis for lawful authority.

Definition in German

Gerechtigkeit ist das Ziel, Gesetze und Entscheidungen so zu gestalten, dass niemand ungerecht benachteiligt wird.

Word origin

Gerechtigkeit developed from the adjective gerecht through the German suffix -igkeit, which names a quality or condition.

Usage tips

  • Gerechtigkeit suits legal, political, and ethical discussion, whereas gerecht describes a person, action, or result as fair or just.

Other meanings

  • fairnessnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Gerechtigkeitsgefühlsense of justicenoun
  • gerechtfertigenjustifyverb

Word lists with this word