das Vorurteil, -e

The German word "Vorurteil" is a noun meaning "prejudice" or "bias".

• It is made up of two parts:
  • "Vor" = "before"
  • "Urteil" = "judgment" or "verdict"

So, "Vorurteil" literally means a judgment formed before knowing all the facts.

Similar words:

• "Voreingenommenheit" (prejudice, partiality)
• "Vorannahme" (presupposition, assumption)
• "Befangenheit" (partiality, bias)

Differences:

• While "Vorurteil" usually refers to a negative preconceived opinion, "Voreingenommenheit" emphasizes a subjective bias, often without justification.
• "Vorannahme" focuses more on an assumption or hypothesis made beforehand, not necessarily with negative connotation.
• "Befangenheit" often means bias due to a personal stake or involvement, implying lack of impartiality.

"Vorurteil" is thus the common term for an unfair, prejudged opinion about people or things.