Tendenzielle

Tendenzielle is a German adjective used to describe statements, texts, or media content that are biased or shaped by a particular tendency or agenda. It is commonly employed in journalism critique to indicate that a report emphasizes certain aspects, omits others, or frames events to support a viewpoint rather than to present objective information. The related noun is Tendenz (tendency), and the adverb form is tendenziell, meaning generally or tending to.

The expression tendenzielle Berichterstattung (tendentious reporting) is widely used to describe coverage that displays a slanted perspective. The term can also apply to analyses, scientific studies, or political statements when the author’s predisposition seems to influence conclusions. Because of its evaluative character, tendenzielle usage often carries a negative or critical nuance, though in some contexts it may be used descriptively rather than prescriptively.

Etymology and related terms: Derived from Tendenz with the suffix -ell, it is connected to other forms such as tendenziell. Related concepts include einseitig (one-sided), parteiisch (partisan), vorge_nommen (prejudiced), and framing. In media studies and discourse analysis, the idea of bias is examined through how language, sourcing, and presentation shape readers’ or viewers’ perception.

See also: biased reporting, framing, selection bias, media criticism, unvoreingenommene Berichterstattung.