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 6In 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.
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.
A political speech at a rally
Wir müssen gemeinsam die Diskriminierung in unserer Gesellschaft bekämpfen!
Together, we must fight discrimination in our society!
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
6Unser 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
'bekämpfen' is transitive and does not take 'gegen'.
Verbinden Sie das Adjektiv mit dem passenden Kontext.
Adjektive für Diskriminierung:
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, ________________.
After 'hilft uns dabei', we use an infinitive with 'zu'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDie Regierung _______ seit Jahren {die|f} Diskriminierung auf dem Arbeitsmarkt.
The subject 'Die Regierung' is singular (3rd person), so 'bekämpft' is the correct present tense form.
Wählen Sie die richtige Option:
'bekämpfen' is transitive and does not take 'gegen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
strukturelle -> Institutionen; alltägliche -> im Bus/Supermarkt; geschlechtsspezifische -> Mann/Frau; rassistische -> Herkunft.
A: Warum ist dieses Gesetz so wichtig? B: Weil es uns hilft, ________________.
After 'hilft uns dabei', we use an infinitive with 'zu'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 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
similarTo show moral courage
Vorurteile abbauen
builds onTo reduce prejudices
Gleichberechtigung fördern
contrastTo promote equality
Ausgrenzung verhindern
similarTo prevent exclusion