die  Willkür

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɪlkʏʁ/

🧐 What does "die Willkür" mean?

Die Willkür (feminine) refers to actions, decisions, or rule that is not based on general laws, rules, or principles, but rather on the free, often capricious discretion or personal wishes of a person or authority. It often implies a lack of justice, predictability, and transparency.

Essentially, Willkür means:

• Arbitrariness: Decisions made without objective reason.
• Tyranny/Despotism: Rule that disregards laws and acts according to its own whim.
• Unpredictability: Actions are not foreseeable because they don't follow fixed rules.

⚠️ The word almost always has a negative connotation and is often used in the context of abuse of power, injustice, or state repression.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of "die Willkür" in Detail

The noun "Willkür" is feminine. It is primarily used in the singular. A plural form ("die Willküren") is very uncommon and usually avoided.

Note: As "Willkür" is an abstract noun, it is often used without an article, especially in a general sense (e.g., "Er handelte aus reiner Willkür." - He acted out of pure arbitrariness.).

Example Sentences

1. Die Bürger protestierten gegen die Willkür der Behörden.
   (The citizens protested against the arbitrariness of the authorities.)
2. Seine Entscheidungen waren von purer Willkür geprägt.
   (His decisions were characterized by sheer arbitrariness.)
3. Ein Rechtsstaat schützt vor staatlicher Willkür.
   (A state based on the rule of law protects against state arbitrariness.)
4. Sie war der Willkür ihres Vorgesetzten ausgeliefert.
   (She was at the mercy of her supervisor's arbitrariness.)

🗣️ How is "Willkür" used?

"Willkür" is used to describe actions or conditions perceived as unjust, unfounded, or despotic because they are not based on rules or understandable criteria.

• Context: Frequently found in political, legal, social, or ethical discussions. It often describes the behavior of those in power, authorities, or people in positions of authority.
• Distinction: It's stronger than mere Beliebigkeit (randomness/arbitrariness). While Beliebigkeit can be neutral (e.g., choosing a random number), Willkür almost always implies a negative judgment, often linked to abuse of power or injustice.
• Typical Collocations: "reine Willkür" (pure arbitrariness), "staatliche Willkür" (state arbitrariness), "gegen Willkür schützen" (to protect against arbitrariness), "der Willkür ausgesetzt sein" (to be exposed to arbitrariness), "von Willkür geprägt" (characterized by arbitrariness).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms for Willkür

🚨 Caution: Not every action based on discretion (Ermessen) is Willkür. Authorities often have legal discretionary powers.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Warum haben Sie mitten auf der Autobahn angehalten?"
Angeklagter: "Das Schild sagte 'Hier endet die Willkür' – da dachte ich, ich darf jetzt machen, was ich will!"

(Judge asks the defendant: "Why did you stop in the middle of the highway?"
Defendant: "The sign said 'Arbitrariness ends here' – so I thought I could do whatever I want now!")

(Of course, this is a humorous misinterpretation!)

📜 A Poem about Willkür

Wo Regeln schweigen, Macht nur spricht,
Da keimt ein Schatten, finster Licht.
Der Starke nimmt, der Schwache leidet,
Weil Recht und Maß die Willkür meidet.

Kein Grund, kein Sinn, nur Eigennutz,
Ein kalter Wind, kein warmer Schutz.
Doch wo Vernunft und Recht erwacht,
Verliert die Willkür ihre Macht.

---

(Where rules fall silent, power only speaks,
A shadow sprouts, a dark light streaks.
The strong one takes, the weak one suffers,
Because justice and measure, arbitrariness buffers.)

(No reason, no sense, just self-interest's gain,
A cold wind blows, no warming rain.
But where reason and justice awake,
Arbitrariness loses its power, its make.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe keine Regeln, kein Gesetz ist mir heilig.
Ich tanze nach Laune, bin oft ungerecht und eilig.
Mächtige lieben mich, Schwache fürchten mein Spiel.
Gegen mich steht das Recht, das ist das große Ziel.

Wer oder was bin ich?

(I have no rules, no law is sacred to me.
I dance to whims, am often unjust and hasty.
The powerful love me, the weak fear my game.
Against me stands the law, that is the great aim.)

(Who or what am I?)

Solution: die Willkür (arbitrariness)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Willkür" is composed of:

• Wille(n): Meaning 'will', 'desire', 'intention'.
• Kür: An old German word for 'choice' or 'selection' (related to the verb "küren" = to choose, as in the "Kür" - freestyle program - in figure skating, where athletes choose their elements).

So, "Willkür" originally meant something like "free choice according to one's own will". Over time, however, it acquired the strongly negative meaning of "arbitrary, unjust decision/action".