B2 Collocation Formal 3 min read

Diskriminierung bekämpfen

To fight discrimination

In 15 Seconds

  • Taking active steps to stop unfair treatment based on identity.
  • Common in workplace, political, and social justice contexts.
  • Combines 'discrimination' with the strong verb 'to combat/fight'.

Meaning

This phrase describes taking active steps to stop people from being treated unfairly because of their background, gender, or identity. It is about standing up for equality and making sure everyone gets a fair shot.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

In a company meeting about hiring practices

Unser Ziel ist es, jede Form von Diskriminierung am Arbeitsplatz zu bekämpfen.

Our goal is to fight every form of discrimination in the workplace.

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2

Discussing a new social project with a friend

Ich finde es super, dass dein Verein Diskriminierung bekämpfen will.

I think it's great that your club wants to fight discrimination.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

A political speech at a rally

Wir müssen gemeinsam die Diskriminierung in unserer Gesellschaft bekämpfen!

Together, we must fight discrimination in our society!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

The 'Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz' (AGG) is the legal backbone for fighting discrimination in Germany. It protects against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, and sexual identity. In Austria, the 'Gleichbehandlungsanwaltschaft' is a specific ombudsperson office where citizens can go if they want to fight discrimination they have experienced. Switzerland has the 'Eidgenössische Kommission gegen Rassismus' (EKR), which focuses specifically on fighting racial discrimination through monitoring and education. Many German companies have signed the 'Charta der Vielfalt' (Diversity Charter), committing themselves to fighting discrimination as part of their corporate identity.

🎯

Use 'aktiv'

Pair it with 'aktiv' (aktiv bekämpfen) to sound more like a native speaker and emphasize commitment.

⚠️

No 'gegen'

Remember: 'bekämpfen' + direct object. Never say 'bekämpfen gegen'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Taking active steps to stop unfair treatment based on identity.
  • Common in workplace, political, and social justice contexts.
  • Combines 'discrimination' with the strong verb 'to combat/fight'.

What It Means

Diskriminierung bekämpfen is a powerful expression. It means you aren't just watching from the sidelines. You are actively working to end unfair treatment. In German, bekämpfen comes from Kampf (fight or struggle). It implies a serious effort. You might see this in politics or at work. It covers everything from racism to ageism. It is about creating a world where everyone belongs.

How To Use It

You use this phrase like a standard verb-object pair. The word Diskriminierung is the object. The verb bekämpfen usually goes at the end in subordinate clauses. For example, 'We must fight discrimination' becomes Wir müssen Diskriminierung bekämpfen. You can also use it as a noun phrase: der Kampf gegen Diskriminierung. It sounds strong and decisive. Use it when you want to sound committed to social justice.

When To Use It

This is perfect for professional or civic settings. Use it during a company meeting about diversity. It fits well in a school presentation about history. You can use it when discussing new laws with friends. It is a staple in news reports and political speeches. If you see someone being treated poorly, this is your go-to phrase. It shows you have high standards for fairness.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this for trivial personal preferences. If your friend hates your favorite shoes, that is not 'discrimination.' Don't say you are Diskriminierung bekämpfen because the baker ran out of pretzels. It is a heavy, serious term. Using it for small things makes you sound dramatic. Keep it for real social issues. Also, don't use it for simple 'bullying' unless it's based on identity.

Cultural Background

Germany has a very strong legal framework for this. It is called the Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG). Because of German history, people take this topic very seriously. There is a deep cultural commitment to 'Nie wieder' (Never again). This phrase is often heard during protests or memorial days. It is part of the modern German identity of being an open society.

Common Variations

You might hear gegen Diskriminierung vorgehen. This means 'to take action against' it. Another one is Vorurteile abbauen, which means 'to reduce prejudices.' If you want to be more personal, use sich gegen Diskriminierung einsetzen. That means 'to advocate against' it. All these phrases help you navigate social justice topics. They make you sound like a conscious, empathetic speaker.

Usage Notes

The phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional settings and essays. Be careful not to overuse the verb 'bekämpfen' for minor disagreements, as it carries significant weight.

🎯

Use 'aktiv'

Pair it with 'aktiv' (aktiv bekämpfen) to sound more like a native speaker and emphasize commitment.

⚠️

No 'gegen'

Remember: 'bekämpfen' + direct object. Never say 'bekämpfen gegen'.

💬

Context matters

In Germany, this is a very serious phrase. Use it with the respect the topic deserves.

Examples

6
#1 In a company meeting about hiring practices
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Unser Ziel ist es, jede Form von Diskriminierung am Arbeitsplatz zu bekämpfen.

Our goal is to fight every form of discrimination in the workplace.

This shows a formal commitment to company values.

#2 Discussing a new social project with a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Ich finde es super, dass dein Verein Diskriminierung bekämpfen will.

I think it's great that your club wants to fight discrimination.

A supportive way to acknowledge someone's activism.

#3 A political speech at a rally
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Wir müssen gemeinsam die Diskriminierung in unserer Gesellschaft bekämpfen!

Together, we must fight discrimination in our society!

Uses 'wir' to build a sense of community and urgency.

#4 Texting a friend about a news article
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Hast du den Artikel gelesen? Es ist wichtig, Diskriminierung aktiv zu bekämpfen.

Did you read the article? It's important to actively fight discrimination.

Short and direct for a digital conversation.

#5 A humorous take on a trivial 'injustice'
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Ich bekämpfe die Diskriminierung von Ananas auf der Pizza!

I am fighting the discrimination against pineapple on pizza!

Uses the heavy term for a lighthearted, silly debate.

#6 An emotional speech at a graduation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Ich habe gelernt, wie wichtig es ist, Diskriminierung mutig zu bekämpfen.

I have learned how important it is to courageously fight discrimination.

Adds an adverb like 'mutig' to increase emotional weight.

Test Yourself

Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'bekämpfen'.

Die Regierung _______ seit Jahren {die|f} Diskriminierung auf dem Arbeitsmarkt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: bekämpft

The subject 'Die Regierung' is singular (3rd person), so 'bekämpft' is the correct present tense form.

Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig?

Wählen Sie die richtige Option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir müssen Diskriminierung bekämpfen.

'bekämpfen' is transitive and does not take 'gegen'.

Verbinden Sie das Adjektiv mit dem passenden Kontext.

Adjektive für Diskriminierung:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: match_pairs_logic

strukturelle -> Institutionen; alltägliche -> im Bus/Supermarkt; geschlechtsspezifische -> Mann/Frau; rassistische -> Herkunft.

Vervollständigen Sie das Gespräch.

A: Warum ist dieses Gesetz so wichtig? B: Weil es uns hilft, ________________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diskriminierung zu bekämpfen

After 'hilft uns dabei', we use an infinitive with 'zu'.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'bekämpfen'. Fill Blank B1

Die Regierung _______ seit Jahren {die|f} Diskriminierung auf dem Arbeitsmarkt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: bekämpft

The subject 'Die Regierung' is singular (3rd person), so 'bekämpft' is the correct present tense form.

Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig? Choose B2

Wählen Sie die richtige Option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir müssen Diskriminierung bekämpfen.

'bekämpfen' is transitive and does not take 'gegen'.

Verbinden Sie das Adjektiv mit dem passenden Kontext. Match B2

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: match_pairs_logic

strukturelle -> Institutionen; alltägliche -> im Bus/Supermarkt; geschlechtsspezifische -> Mann/Frau; rassistische -> Herkunft.

Vervollständigen Sie das Gespräch. dialogue_completion B2

A: Warum ist dieses Gesetz so wichtig? B: Weil es uns hilft, ________________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Diskriminierung zu bekämpfen

After 'hilft uns dabei', we use an infinitive with 'zu'.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but 'Mobbing bekämpfen' is more specific for school or workplace bullying.

No, in political and social contexts, it is the standard, professional term.

'Verhindern' means to prevent it from happening; 'bekämpfen' means it's already there and you are trying to eliminate it.

It is always '{die|f} Diskriminierung'.

Yes, that is more informal but perfectly fine.

Use 'gegen Diskriminierung kämpfen'.

Yes, companies often state they fight discrimination to attract diverse talent.

Rassismus, Armut, Korruption, and of course, Diskriminierung.

Only if you are discussing a serious news story or a work issue.

Not really, but you can use 'Antidiskriminierung' as a prefix in nouns.

Related Phrases

🔗

Zivilcourage zeigen

similar

To show moral courage

🔗

Vorurteile abbauen

builds on

To reduce prejudices

🔗

Gleichberechtigung fördern

contrast

To promote equality

🔗

Ausgrenzung verhindern

similar

To prevent exclusion

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