die  Gleichbehandlung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡlaɪçbəˌhandlʊŋ/

📖 What does "die Gleichbehandlung" mean?

Die Gleichbehandlung (noun, feminine) refers to the principle or practice of treating all people or groups equally in comparable situations, without irrelevant distinctions. It's a central principle in law and ethics that prohibits discrimination based on characteristics such as gender, origin, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

The goal is to ensure fairness and justice by avoiding arbitrary disadvantage or preference. The term is often used in the context of laws (e.g., the German General Equal Treatment Act - Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz or AGG), labor law, and human rights.

🚨 Attention: Although there's only one form, the context is crucial to understand which area (e.g., workplace, access to goods) the Gleichbehandlung refers to.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "die Gleichbehandlung" in Detail

The word "Gleichbehandlung" is a feminine noun. The article is die. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. The plural ("die Gleichbehandlungen") is very rare and only used when referring to specific, individual cases or types of equal treatment.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare!

📝 Example Sentences

• Das Prinzip der Gleichbehandlung ist im Grundgesetz verankert.
  (The principle of equal treatment is enshrined in the Basic Law.)
• Der Betriebsrat achtet auf die Gleichbehandlung aller Mitarbeiter.
  (The works council ensures the equal treatment of all employees.)
• Sie klagte wegen Verletzung des Grundsatzes der Gleichbehandlung.
  (She sued for violation of the principle of equal treatment.)
• Im Bewerbungsverfahren muss Gleichbehandlung gewährleistet sein.
  (Equal treatment must be guaranteed in the application process.)

🗣️ How to use "Gleichbehandlung"?

The term die Gleichbehandlung is primarily used in formal contexts, especially in:

• Law and Legislation: Discussing anti-discrimination laws (like the AGG), constitutional principles (Art. 3 Grundgesetz), court proceedings.
• Workplace: Topics like equal pay, promotions, hiring processes, working conditions.
• Social Sciences and Ethics: Debates about justice, fairness, equal opportunity, and social structures.
• Politics: Discussions about societal norms, minority rights, and integration.

Distinction from similar terms:

• Chancengleichheit (equal opportunity): Often refers to equal starting conditions, whereas Gleichbehandlung means fair treatment during an ongoing process or state.
• Gleichstellung (equality, often gender equality): Often aims to actively compensate for disadvantages of certain groups to achieve actual equality (can go beyond mere Gleichbehandlung).
• Gleichmacherei (leveling down, pejorative): A critical term suggesting that legitimate differences are ignored.

🧠 Mnemonics for Gleichbehandlung

Here are some memory aids for the article and meaning:

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of "die Behandlung" (the treatment) -> so it's also "die Gleichbehandlung". Imagine a judge (representing treatment/law) wearing a dress (feminine = die) holding scales ⚖️ (equality).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is transparent: "Gleich" (equal) + "Behandlung" (treatment) = equal treatment. Picture people being treated equally, perhaps receiving the same treatment at a hospital.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but distinct terms:

• Gleichstellung: Often goes beyond formal Gleichbehandlung, aiming for substantive equality (e.g., through affirmative action).
• Gleichförmigkeit: Uniformity (everyone being exactly the same, not just treated equally), often used negatively.

😂 A little joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Sagen Sie mal, glauben Sie an Gleichbehandlung am Arbeitsplatz?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, natürlich!"
Chef: "Gut, dann bekommen Sie genauso wenig Gehalt wie alle anderen hier."

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Tell me, do you believe in equal treatment in the workplace?"
The employee replies: "Yes, of course!"
Boss: "Good, then you'll get just as little salary as everyone else here."

📜 Poem about Gleichbehandlung

Ob Herkunft, Glaube, Haut und Haar,
ob jung, ob alt, ob Frau, ob Mann,
Die Gleichbehandlung, wunderbar,
fängt bei Respekt für jeden an.

Kein Vorzug und kein Nachteil je,
nur weil man anders ist und scheint.
Das Recht sagt klar: Es tut nicht weh,
wenn Fairness alle eint.

Translation:
Whether origin, faith, skin, or hair,
Whether young or old, woman or man,
Equal treatment, wonderful and fair,
Starts with respect for everyone's span.

No advantage and no drawback ever,
Just because one seems different or strange.
The law says clearly: It hurts never,
When fairness brings all within range.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin ein Prinzip, fest im Gesetz verankert,
sorge dafür, dass niemand benachteiligt oder bevorteilt ankert.
Im Job, vor Gericht, im täglichen Leben,
soll ich allen die gleichen Chancen geben.

Was bin ich?... Die Gleichbehandlung

Translation:
I am a principle, firmly anchored in law,
I ensure that no one is disadvantaged or favored by flaw.
At work, in court, in daily life's quest,
I should give everyone the same chance as the rest.

What am I?
... Equal treatment (Die Gleichbehandlung)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Gleichbehandlung" is a compound noun, composed of:

• gleich (adjective): means 'equal', 'same', 'unchanged', 'fair'.
• die Behandlung (noun): derived from the verb 'behandeln' (to treat), means 'treatment of someone/something', 'procedure', 'handling'.

Legal Significance:

In Germany, the principle of Gleichbehandlung is fundamental and enshrined in Article 3 of the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz - GG): "All persons shall be equal before the law." The General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - AGG) specifies this protection in civil law, particularly concerning employment and access to goods and services.