adjective
befangen
bias
The German word "befangen" is an adjective meaning "biased", "prejudiced", or "partial". It stems from the participle of the verb "fangen" ("to catch" or "to take") combined with the prefix "be-".
Meaning of the root word:
- fangen: to catch
Similar words:
- voreingenommen (prejudiced)
- parteiisch (partial)
- tendenziös (tendentious, biased)
Difference:
- befangen often refers to being mentally "caught" or constrained by personal bias in a specific situation (like a judge being befangen = conflicted of interest).
- voreingenommen emphasizes a prejudgment or preconceived opinion.
- parteiisch stresses taking sides actively.
- tendenziös highlights biased presentation, often in an argument or media context.
Make “befangen” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Befangenheit der Zeugen erschwerte den gesamten Prozess.adjective
The bias of the witnesses complicated the entire trial.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad