German word

Propaganda

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁopaˈganda/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpropaganda

Example

Die Propaganda beeinflusst die Stimmung der Leute.

Propaganda affects people's mood.

Illustration for Propaganda (propaganda)

More examples

Kritiker warnen, dass Propaganda die demokratische Debatte verzerrt.

Critics warn that propaganda distorts democratic debate.

Core concept

A stream of carefully chosen information presents one side of an issue and aims to move public opinion.

Common phrases

  • Propaganda bekämpfen

    combat propaganda

  • gezielte Propaganda

    targeted propaganda

  • Propaganda erkennen

    recognize propaganda

Similar words

Manipulation: Deliberate control of someone's judgment or emotions to elicit a desired response.
Desinformation: Intentional spread of false information to lead people toward incorrect judgments.
Werbung: Promotion of products or services intended to encourage people to buy them.
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit: Outward communication aimed at building or protecting an organization's public image.

Definition in German

Gezielte Verbreitung einseitiger Informationen oder Meinungen, oft politisch, um ein Publikum zu beeinflussen.

Word origin

The word derives from Latin propagare, to spread, and was popularized by the Catholic Congregation de Propaganda Fide before gaining its modern political sense.

Usage tips

  • Propaganda usually has a negative implication in German, whereas Werbung can describe commercial advertising without that implication.

Other meanings

  • publicitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • propagierenpropagateverb
  • Propagandistpropagandistnoun
  • Propagandafilmpropaganda filmnoun

Word lists with this word