German word

ungerecht

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊngəˌʁɛçt/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunfair

Example

Das ist eine ungerechte Entscheidung.

That is an unfair decision.

Illustration for ungerecht (unfair)

More examples

Man darf niemanden ungerecht behandeln.

No one may be treated unfairly.

Core concept

A decision tilts the scales against one person instead of treating the people involved fairly.

Common phrases

  • jemanden ungerecht behandeln

    treat somebody unfairly

  • eine ungerechte Strafe

    an unjust punishment

Similar words

unfair: Against rules or accepted standards, putting someone at a disadvantage.
ungerechtfertigt: Having no valid reason or sound basis, especially for treatment or blame.
diskriminierend: Treating people unfairly because of traits such as gender or nationality.
willkürlich: Decided without clear reasons or standards, based instead on personal whim.

Definition in German

Ungerecht bezeichnet eine Handlung oder Situation, die nicht fair ist und jemanden benachteiligt.

Word origin

Ungerecht combines the negating prefix un- with gerecht, which developed from Middle High German gereht and is related to recht and English right.

Usage tips

  • As a predicate adjective, ungerecht has no ending, but attributive use requires normal adjective endings, as in eine ungerechte Entscheidung.

Other meanings

  • unjustadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word