German Conversation · Level 143
30 words
German word
Putsch
Pronunciation
IPA/pʊtʃ/
Meaning
- masculine nouncoup
Example
In einigen Ländern gab es viele Putsche.
There were many coups in some countries.
More examples
Die internationale Gemeinschaft verurteilte den Putsch und forderte die Wiederherstellung der Rechtsstaatlichkeit.
The international community condemned the coup and called for the restoration of the rule of law.
Core concept
A sudden, forceful shove that knocks an existing government aside while plotters seize control.
Common phrases
ein Putsch gegen die Regierung
a coup against the government
einen Putsch unterstützen
support a coup
einen Putsch verhindern
prevent a coup
Similar words
Staatsstreich: A sudden political takeover of state leadership.
Coup: A brief, often violent seizure of government power.
Umsturz: A sweeping political upheaval that brings down the existing order.
Revolution: A far-reaching change to society or government led by a popular movement.
Definition in German
ein plötzlicher, meist gewaltsamer Versuch, die bestehende Regierung zu stürzen und die Macht zu übernehmen
Word origin
German borrowed Putsch from Swiss German Putsch, meaning a push or blow, and extended it to a sudden attempt to seize political power.
Usage tips
- Putsch is masculine, and its plural is Putsche; it describes an attempted takeover, so success is not implied.
Opposites
- Rechtsstaatlichkeitrule of lawnoun
Related words
- Putschistcoup plotternoun
- putschartigcoup-likeadjective