German word

Diktatur

Pronunciation

IPA/dɪktaˈtuːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine noundictatorship

Example

Viele Menschen fürchten die Diktatur.

Many people fear dictatorship.

Illustration for Diktatur (dictatorship)

More examples

Die Gesellschaft kann langsam in eine Diktatur abgleiten.

Society can slowly slide into a dictatorship.

Core concept

The national steering wheel stays in one person's or a small group's hands, while independent checks cannot take it back.

Common phrases

  • in eine Diktatur abgleiten

    slide into a dictatorship

  • zu einer Diktatur führen

    lead to a dictatorship

Similar words

Autokratie: A system run unilaterally by one ruler who holds the country's power.
Autoritarismus: A governing system that limits civil liberties and public involvement in politics.
Totalitarismus: A political system that directs all major areas of social life through state control.
Regime: The governing political force or administration in a country or region.

Definition in German

Herrschaftsform, in der eine einzelne Person oder eine kleine Gruppe die politische Macht ohne rechtsstaatliche Kontrolle ausübt

Word origin

The German noun derives from Latin dictatura, which was formed from dictator and referred to a dictator's office or rule.

Usage tips

  • The plural of Diktatur is Diktaturen, using -en rather than an English-style plural ending.

Other meanings

  • despotismnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • diktatorischdictatorialadjective
  • Diktatordictatornoun

Word lists with this word