German Conversation · Level 116
45 words
German word
Unrecht
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʊnʁɛçt/
Meaning
- neuter nounwrongdoing
Example
Die Folgen des Unrechts sind sichtbar.
The consequences of the wrongdoing are visible.
More examples
Er versuchte, das begangene Unrecht wieder gutzumachen.
He tried to make amends for the wrong he had committed.
Core concept
A broken rule or violated claim creates a gap between what should happen and what actually happens.
Common phrases
jemandem Unrecht antun
do ___ an injustice
ein Unrecht wieder gutmachen
make amends for a wrong
gegen Unrecht vorgehen
take action against injustice
Similar words
Ungerechtigkeit: Unfair treatment or a lack of justice.
Rechtswidrigkeit: Conduct that violates the law.
Definition in German
Handlung oder Zustand, der gegen rechtliche oder moralische Normen verstößt.
Word origin
The compound Unrecht is formed from un- meaning not or contrary to and Recht, whose older Germanic form was Old High German reht.
Usage tips
- The phrase jemandem Unrecht tun means to wrong someone, while Unrecht haben means to be mistaken or in the wrong.
Other meanings
- injusticenoun
- illegalitynoun
Opposites
- Gerechtigkeitjusticenoun
Related words
- unrechtmäßigunlawfuladjective
- Unrechtmäßigkeitillegalitynoun