German word

Hochburg

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhoːxˌbʊɐ̯k/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbase

Example

Die Partei hat in dieser Region ihre Hochburg.

The party has its base in this region.

Illustration for Hochburg (base)

More examples

Die Stadt ist eine Hochburg der Musik.

The city is a stronghold of music.

Core concept

A fortified base that stands out as the main center of support for a group or cause.

Common phrases

  • eine Hochburg sein

    be a stronghold

  • politische Hochburg

    political stronghold

  • Hochburg der Kriminalität

    stronghold of crime

Similar words

Bastion: A strongly defended base of support for a group or cause.
Wahlkreis: A geographic district created to elect a political representative.
Festung: A heavily fortified building or place designed for defense.

Definition in German

Eine Hochburg bezeichnet einen Bezirk oder Ort, der als wichtiges Zentrum einer Partei, Bewegung oder Sache gilt und dort besonders starken Rückhalt hat.

Word origin

The compound Hochburg combines hoch, 'high', with Burg, 'castle or fortress', and extends the idea of a dominant castle to a figurative stronghold.

Usage tips

  • In political reporting, Hochburg usually suggests an established regional base rather than a place where support has risen only temporarily.

Other meanings

  • strongholdnoun
  • centernoun

Opposites

  • Peripherieperipherynoun
  • Randgebietoutlying areanoun

Word lists with this word